RECENT POSTS
Designated Beneficiary Assets: Consider Your Income, Capital Gains & Estate Taxes
Trusts & Estate Planning Attorney by Kira S. Masteller 818.907.3244 In the third segment of our series regarding Gift Tax & Estate Planning, we’ll examine assets that require designated beneficiaries, specifically: IRA accounts, retirement accounts, life
Using Life Insurance and Irrevocable Trusts in Estate Planning
Trusts & Estate Planning Attorney by Kira S. Masteller 818.907.3244 Continuing with Part 2 of our Gift Tax and Estate Planning blog series (we discussed Living Trusts in Part 1 of the series), we now
A Living Trust – One of Many Tools for Protecting Your Estate
Trusts & Estate Planning Attorney by Kira S. Masteller 818.907.3244 A living trust is not the only vehicle that individuals need to consider when completing an estate plan. There are several other types of trusts
The Tax Increases Have Begun
by Lewitt Hackman’s Trusts & Estate Planning Practice Group December 4, 2012 With the “fiscal cliff” discussions front and center, many people do not realize that certain tax increases are already being implemented, both at the
Social Security Benefits | 10 Retirement FAQs
Trusts & Estate Planning by Kira S. Masteller 818.907.3244 We’ve all heard about the financial difficulties engulfing our nation’s Social Security program. Decades ago, there were nearly five workers paying into Social Security for every
Business Succession Planning: The Shareholder, Operating or Partnership Agreement
by Robert A. Hull For many of us, one of our most valued assets, is our business. What happens when you or one of your business partners becomes disabled, divorces, retires or passes away? Will your
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
Getting Clear on Creditor Protection: The Limitations of the Revocable Living Trust
by Robert A. Hull People often believe that if they set up a revocable living trust, and put their assets into the trust, their assets are protected from creditors. While a revocable living trust can
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