“And in the end it is not the years in your life that count, it's the life in your years.” Abraham Lincoln … [Read more...] about Thought for the Day:
Does Your Law Firm Assist with Probate?
At some point in your life there is a good chance you will be involved in the probate of someone’s estate. Whether you are involved merely because you are a beneficiary or heir, or are involved because you were appointed executor of the estate, you will likely be exposed to probate at some time in your life. If you are not familiar with the probate process, you may need legal advice in order to know how to proceed. This is particularly true if you were appointed executor in the decedent’s Last … [Read more...] about Does Your Law Firm Assist with Probate?
Thought for the Day:
“Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions.” Dalai Lama XIV … [Read more...] about Thought for the Day:
What Is the Annual Gift Tax Exclusion?
A comprehensive estate plan typically incorporates a wide variety of estate planning strategies and tools. Many of those strategies and tools are aimed at reducing an estate’s exposure to gift and estate taxes. The overall key to reducing gift and estate taxes is to transfer as many assets as possible out of your estate prior to your death as possible. One way to accomplish this is to make use of the annual gift tax exclusion. Gift and estate taxes are potentially levied on the estate of a … [Read more...] about What Is the Annual Gift Tax Exclusion?
Thought for the Day:
“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift of God, which is why we call it the present.” Bil Keane … [Read more...] about Thought for the Day:
How to Know If Your Estate Has Enough Liquidity
Estate planning often involves combining numerous important goals into one overall plan. The primary goal, of course, of your estate plan should be to ensure that your loved ones are protected and provided for in the event of your death or incapacity. Even the most basic estate plan attempts to accomplish this objective by gifting assets to loved ones in a Last Will and Testament. The best of intentions, however, may fall short of the goal if you estate doesn’t have enough liquidity when the … [Read more...] about How to Know If Your Estate Has Enough Liquidity
Famous Estates – Legacy Champ or Chump?
Charles “Mask” Lewis Jr. (1963-2009) - Businessman Charles Lewis was a businessman, promoter, and entertainer. Known by his nickname "Mask,” because of stripes of face paint he frequently used, Lewis founded the TapouT clothing line in 1997, which eventually became a multi-million-dollar clothing company. Lewis and his two friends began the company by selling mixed martial arts apparel from the back of their Mustang. In 2007, the company of $22.5 million in revenue, with a 2009 target of $225 … [Read more...] about Famous Estates – Legacy Champ or Chump?
Thought for the Day:
“Peace begins with a smile.” Mother Teresa … [Read more...] about Thought for the Day:
What Are the Drawbacks of Probate?
Creating a comprehensive estate plan typically involves goals that reach beyond the simple division of your assets upon your death. Probate avoidance, for example, is a common goal of estate planning. Understanding the drawbacks of probate will help you understand why you may wish to include probate avoidance in your estate plan. Probate is the legal process that follows an individual's death. The purpose of probate is twofold-to account for and value the decedents estate property and to … [Read more...] about What Are the Drawbacks of Probate?
Famous Estates – Legacy Champ or Chump?
Archer Miller Huntington (1870-1955) - Philanthropist & Author Archer Huntington was the son of Arabella Huntington and the stepson of railroad magnate and industrialist Collis P. Huntington. He was educated by private tutors and later traveled and studied in Spain, where he collected a number of rare manuscripts, books, and some works of art. Huntington was also an accomplished author, focusing on poetry and the translation of Spanish texts. He was the recipient of the Order del … [Read more...] about Famous Estates – Legacy Champ or Chump?
