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Will Contests & Estate Disputes – Five Ways to Avoid a Family Feud
Trusts & Estate Planning by Kira S. Masteller 818.907.3244 Even in the most complacent of families, estate disputes can sometimes arise under the added strain of bereavement and emotional loss. When family members don’t get
Tax & Estate Planning – Small Win for Same Sex Couples?
Trusts & Estate Planning by Kira S. Masteller 818.907.3244 The Defense of Marriage Act, or DOMA, was enacted in 1996 to “define and protect the institution of marriage.” It defined marriage as a legal union
What is Alternative Minimum Tax & Why Are We Paying It?
Trusts & Estate Planning by Kira S. Masteller 818.907.3244 In 1969, Congress created the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) to ensure that anyone who benefits from certain tax advantages pays at least a minimum amount of
Charitable Trusts + Low Interest Rates = Tax Savings
Trusts & Estate Planning by Kira S. Masteller 818.907.3244 Some people don’t like to talk about death and because of that fear, distaste or superstition; they put off planning for the future. But think about
Funding a Living Trust — Estate Planning Advice
Trusts & Estate Planning Attorney by Kira S. Masteller 818.907.3244 The most common reason for establishing a living trust is to avoid probate and take advantage of estate tax exemptions. If you don’t have a revocable
Tax Strategies – 2011 Year End Tax Planning for Businesses & Individuals
Trusts & Estate Planning Attorney by Kira S. Masteller 818.907.3244 What tax strategies do you have in place for yourself, your family or your business for this year and for the years to come? Whether
Maximizing Your Annual Gift | Tax Free Gift Exemption
Trusts & Estate Planning Attorney by Kira S. Masteller 818.907.3244 If your estate is valued over the Federal estate tax exemption ($5,000,000 in 2011 and 2012 and returning to $1,000,000 in 2013), you should consider
Buy Sell Agreements – Protecting Your Interests From the Four Ds
Trusts & Estate Planning by Kira S. Masteller 818.907.3244 Buy sell agreements are common estate planning tools for people with business partners. They ensure the continuity of the business in the event of the death,
Your Life Insurance Review | Good Insurance Policies = Good Estate Planning
Trusts & Estate Planning Attorney by Kira S. Masteller 818.907.3244 First, let me just clarify that I do not sell insurance and I will not do an insurance policy review. But if you think you
IRS Form 8939 | Remember, Remember, the 15th of November…
by Kira S. Masteller Not because of Guy Fawkes Night, commonly celebrated November 5th, and there is no gunpowder, treason or plot here. If anything, there is opportunity, because November 15th is an important deadline for