Whether famous or just regular folks, we are reminded by the following anecdote that a few extra steps in your estate planning will deliver on your intentions. Doris Duke The tobacco heiress died with a fortune estimated to be worth $1.3 billion and thus making her the "world's richest woman" of the time.  Her will included ...Read More

Whether famous or just regular folks, we are reminded by the following anecdote that a few extra steps in your estate planning will deliver on your intentions. Jimi Hendrix The guitar legend passed away at age 27 without a will. Although he was very close to his brother, state law awarded everything to his father, ...Read More

The Tax Court has just passed a new technique that closely-held businesses owners —and wealthy families — can use to pass assets to heirs with a minimal amount of taxes and complications. The ruling in the case, Wandry v. Commissioner, is stirring up excitement among experts.  The below commentary was written by a WealthCounsel associate, …Read More

The wealth of many boomers is tied up in businesses they own. And that can be a problem when it comes time to retire. The Wall Street Journal published a very good article on this topic, and my WealthCounsel colleague, Lizette Sundvick, added the below commentary. If you’re a small business owner, then you probably ...Read More

The motives for cutting a relative out of an estate range from the most primal — hate, abandonment, regret — to the most rational. Planning what to leave behind to loved ones can be a difficult matter since, even with taxes out of the picture, it means explaining your choices and your hopes. On the ...Read More

Contemplating your own mortality or incapacitation, as estate planning requires you to do, is off-putting under the best of circumstances. And estate planning is often put off to avoid the reality that life is not endless.  This is compounded by the seemingly constant flux of the tax code which allows the “avoiders” to put estate ...Read More

“Family Feud” is a television show, but they often happen in real life after the passing of a loved one. I think you will find this article an interesting read, and it will likely offer a few sage comments for managing your own life and the relations with some of your family members. Estate Planning ...Read More

Doubt is a trouble-maker for those who are left behind by your passing.  You are encouraged to reduce or eliminate the room for doubt.  I found the below article to be loaded with helpful suggestions for making things clear.  Documents you need before you die Your family members will need to know how to handle ...Read More