When building a comprehensive plan for the future, one question consistently tops the list for families in Fort Worth: Will my estate be subject to estate taxes? It is a vital question to ask. After spending a lifetime building a career, raising a family, and investing your hard-earned income, the last thing you want is … Read more
The legal battle over Tony Hsieh’s estate has entered a new and stranger phase. Hsieh, the former CEO of Zappos and the man behind a bold effort to revitalize downtown Las Vegas, died in November 2020 at age 46 from smoke inhalation injuries suffered in a Connecticut house fire. He was worth an estimated $500 … Read more
Eugene Allen Hackman enjoyed a prolific acting career that spanned several decades. In a bizarre sequence of events, seemingly ripped from a movie script, his death raised questions and exposed some flaws in both his end-of-life planning and his Estate Plan. Gene’s final act didn’t result in a happy ending, but rather a tragic tale full of warnings to those who care to listen.
When people find out that Medicare won’t cover nursing home care but Medicaid will, a question comes to mind: Can you give assets to your family to qualify for nursing home Medicaid? The answer is yes, you can transfer assets to your family before applying for nursing home Medicaid, but the timing and the method … Read more
Every Fourth of July, we celebrate the right to determine our own destiny. Yet many Americans leave some of life’s most important decisions to state intestacy laws by failing to create an Estate Plan. This Independence Day, learn why declaring your independence from intestacy may be one of the most meaningful gifts you can leave for the people you love.
What Is an irrevocable trust and why would you want one? The short answer is calculated loss of direct control. When you create an irrevocable trust, you transfer assets out of your name permanently, and that transfer is what makes the trust powerful. Understanding why someone would voluntarily give up control over their own assets … Read more
A lot of people think of the retirement pension based on 20+ years of service when a military pension is discussed. In reality there is another pension simply call the Veterans Pension that sits apart from the retirement pension. This pension is largely for seniors, and it can make a difference if you are living … Read more
One of the most common—and dangerous—phrases in Estate Planning is “that would never happen.” This article explores how assumptions about family dynamics, relationships, and behavior often lead to unintended conflict, litigation, and failed plans. By examining where these assumptions break down, both attorneys and families can build Estate Plans designed to withstand real-world challenges.
The best Estate Planners stay current on the latest trends. The American Academy of Estate Planning held its semi-annual conference providing education and learning for and inspiring excellence in its Members.
