Legacy Care Law Firm

In a new Rasmussen poll released last week, we learned that just 3 percent of Americans believe Congress is doing an “excellent” job. Just 7 percent say the job they’re doing is “good”. The other 90 percent say Congress is doing either “fair” (28 percent) or “poor” (59 percent). One reason could be because what little movement there is on Capitol Hill affects so few Americans. One example is the passage of a bill by the House of Representatives last month. This bill focuses on repealing the … [Read more...] about Why the Latest Estate Tax Political Move Doesn’t Matter

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, or CMS, announced last week its final program changes for both the Medicare Advantage and Part D Prescription Drug Programs. It says the changes reflect “fair and accurate payments to plans, and encourage the delivery of high-quality care for all populations.” Andy Slavitt, acting CMS Administrator, explains, “These policies strengthen Medicare Advantage for current and future consumers by encouraging higher quality care. As the Medicare … [Read more...] about CMS Announces Finalization of 2016 Medicare Payment and Policy Updates

Dynasty Trusts from Daniel DeBruyckere Dynasty trusts are fine estate planning tools. Wills are no longer enough in many estate plans, especially for those looking for planning tools that serve many purposes. Learn more about dynasty trusts and what it can do in this presentation. … [Read more...] about Dynasty Trusts

It’s true that a revocable trust is a fine estate planning tool for many people. If you’re concerned about protecting your assets from creditors, it may not be your best move. Creditors can indeed set their sights on the revocable trust. Let’s take a look at the revocable living trust. These are legal documents that allow you to name someone to manage your property while you’re still living. You create the trust, the trustee is named by you to manage the assets within the trust and the … [Read more...] about The Revocable Trust Isn’t a Cure All (But it’s Close)

Here's an interesting and frankly, an alarming statistic: divorce rates of those over the age of 50 more than doubled between 1990 and 2010. One in 25 couples in this age group will divorce; compared to one in ten in years past. It's staggering. This presents an interesting quagmire: what will your estate planning efforts (and your bank account) look like after the divorce? There are many considerations you'll have to address and reconcile both before and after the judge drops the gavel. Divorce … [Read more...] about Free Report: Divorce and Estate Planning in New Hampshire and Massachusetts

A couple of months ago, President Obama announced he wanted to end the so-called step up provision in the capital gains tax. Some dismissed it right away, saying the Republican Congress has vowed to not see it come full circle. But what does it mean in terms of how these changes will shape the way inheritances are taxed? Capital Gains Tax and Step Up Provision President Obama announced his desire to eliminate the tax benefits associated with inheritances and tax capital gains based on … [Read more...] about Changes in Capital Gains Tax?

A loved one’s death is a traumatic event, regardless of the death being expected or sudden. We all need a period to grieve and adjust to the loss. It’s difficult to consider the legal, financial and business elements, which is why estate planning is so important. One role of estate planning is deciding who receives your property and assets after you are no longer here. This is known as the transfer of property after death. It can also involve designating a guardian for young children as well … [Read more...] about The Transfer of Property After Death

The peculiar final months of Casey Kasem’s life was like something out of a 1980s hair band “love gone wrong” ballad. Now, though, there are accusations that he may have been a victim of elder abuse. Casey Kasem's daughter Kerri Kasem and other family members held a press conference at a courthouse in Los Angeles with a request for the Los Angeles Police Department to arrest Kasem's widow Jean Kasem. The charges they claim are startling. They say the widow removed Kasem, along with his … [Read more...] about Casey Kasem a Victim of Elder Abuse?

Many of us are feeling excited for the new year. It always symbolizes renewed hope and new chances to make the world a better place. One way people are achieving this is through the use of charitable remainder trusts. These trusts allow you to make generous donations to charity while also providing impressive tax breaks for your heirs. While it really is that simple, there are a few legalities you’ll need to consider. Your estate planning lawyer can provide guidance so that everyone benefits … [Read more...] about The New Year and Charitable Remainder Trusts

Dynasty trusts in estate planning have one sole purpose and that’s to benefit future generations. In fact, you can leave assets to your grandchildren, their grandchildren and other future generations. You have total control into how it plays out, such as how much you wish to leave those future generations. These powerful estate planning and financial tools work as a shield against creditors and they’re fine solutions for those worried about estate taxes. Many clients will pair a dynasty trust … [Read more...] about Free Report: Dynasty Trusts in Estate Planning