Can I legally exclude a child from my will?

When drafting an estate plan, most people will elect to leave their hard earned assets to their spouse and children. At times, however, a person may choose to leave a certain family member out of their estate plan. A parent...

Do I need an estate plan if I do not have significant assets? Creating an estate plan provides you with control over your assets after your death. Estate planning consists of arranging for the disposal of your assets after your death while minimizing tax consequences. Despite the importance of estate planning, less...

A fine art collection can be one of the most valuable assets a person owns -- sometimes even more valuable than a home or oceanfront property. For the serious art collector, congruently serious estate planning is necessary to help ensure the paintings or sculptures are not lost due to estate taxation or...

What is a personal asset trust and what are its benefits?

When you establish a personal asset trust (PAT), instead of receiving your inheritance directly, your beneficiaries receive it in a special trust which emanates from your Living Trust. The Personal Asset Trust is under the control of each beneficiary. The benefit...

Is  settling an estate as easy as riding a bicycle?

If only settling an estate were as easy as riding a bicycle. In fact, unless skilled attorneys have worked carefully and diligently to tighten any loopholes, there may be complications in the process. Even with a will in...

Are You Doing Enough to Protect Your Estate from Being Turned Over to the State?

It has become apparent that states are becoming more aggressive in claiming mutual fund investments  as "abandoned" property. While it is clearly in their financial interest to do so, it is not in...

What is a living trust and how can it be useful in financial planning?

A living trust is a legal written document which partially substitutes for a will. By employing a living trust, your assets, including your bank accounts,...