Blog 2013
Q&A with Loraine: Does a testamentary trust go into effect during or after probate?
Question: Does a testamentary trust go into effect during or after probate? Do the responsibilities of a testamentary trust’s trustee begin after the will is …
Q&A with Loraine: My dad died with no will…can my sister make me sell the house?
Question: My dad died with no will. I’m the one who took care of him. There is a mortgage on the house that I’m paying …
Banks Wreak Havoc on Estate Planning By Forcing the Use of Joint Accounts
Recently, I met with a new client, and was confronted yet again with the result of bad advice from bankers. The client had a power …
U.S. Department of Labor Issues Guidance on Same Sex Marriages
On September 18, 2013, the U.S. Department of Labor followed the Internal Revenue Service in stating that the definitions of “spouse” and “marriage” used in the Employee …
Inheritance Taxes: The Tax that Keeps on Taking
Most people are familiar with estate taxes—taxes levied by either the federal government or the states (or both) on estates before disbursement to heirs. State …
An Uncomfortable Conversation
I often joke that we need to install a wine bar in the corner of our conference room, or maybe even a soft ice cream …
Illuminating the Problem
In my initial consultation, I always ask my older clients whether they have trouble accessing any part of their house. Most people desire to live …
