ESTATES & TRUSTS

Estate Planning

Wills and trusts allow you to spell out how you would like your property distributed, but they also go beyond that.

Living Trusts

A living trust can help control the distribution of your estate upon death.

Avoiding Probate

The probate process can be lengthy and complex. There are strategies you can use to help avoid the probate process.

Charitable Giving

To retain the tax advantages associated with charitable giving, your gift must be made to a qualified organization.

Preserving My Estate

Life insurance can be used to help preserve your estate’s value for your heirs.

Controlling the Distribution

If you haven’t taken steps already, consider planning now for the distribution of your estate’s assets.

Paying Estate Taxes

If you believe your estate will be subject to estate taxes, consider how your heirs will pay the bill.

Benefits of A-B Trusts

An A-B trust can be an effective way to help reduce estate taxes and preserve family assets for heirs.

Gifting Strategies

Compare the advantages and disadvantages of different gifting strategies available for planned giving.

Charitable Lead Trusts

Charitable lead trusts are designed for people who would like to benefit a charity now rather than later.

Charitable Remainder Trusts

A designated income beneficiary could receive payment of a specified amount from a charitable remainder trust.

Wealth Replacement Trusts

A wealth replacement trust could be used to gift appreciated assets to a charity as well as provide for heirs.

Family Limited Partnerships

One estate planning strategy that families with closely held businesses could consider is the family ltd partnership.

Property Ownership

Sole ownership, joint tenancy, tenancy in common, and community property have special benefits for property owners.

History of the Federal Estate Tax