Avoid the estate planning mistakes of Aretha Franklin and Prince, advises Richard Eisenberg, writing in Forbes.com. Both these one-time blockbuster music stars died without a will or trust, Eisenberg notes, and, he warns, “Following in their footsteps could mean your...
Some of the advice financial advisors give clients concerning setting up trusts may be outdated or overly simplistic, Martin Shenkman, a New Jersey CPA and attorney fears. In an article in Financial Planning, Shenkman offers a guide explaining the distinction between...
After you attain the age of 70 1/2, you're required to take a minimum distribution from your retirement plans on an annual basis, regardless of whether or not you need the money. If you don't need your required minimum distribution (RMD) and have a charitable intent,...
Suicide is a disturbing topic, New York attorney Mark Michael Campanella admits, yet suicide is a reality that many families unfortunately face. While there’s no question suicide can devastate a family, Campanella assures clients and their heirs that if a person’s...
“Whether you go back to Cain and Abel, or only as far back as the Smothers Brothers (‘Mom always liked you best’), sibling rivalry is the chief factor in many disputes arising after a parent dies,” attorney Karen Gerstner writes in Law Trends & News. Many people...
A court ruling in Canada presents an important reminder for our blog readers. Canada, of course, has a different law system from that of the United States, but the issue itself is one that often comes up in our discussions with Geyer Law estate planning clients,...
72% of small businesses don’t have a succession plan, reports Isaac O’Bannon, Managing editor of the CPA Practice Advisor. What’s more, O’Bannon found, 87% of small business owners were unaware that there are documents that can be created to specifically protect their...
Bylaws? Operating agreements? Choice of business entity? Those may not sound like estate planning topics, but they most definitely are. In fact, all too often, entrepreneurs are so busy developing and then running their businesses, they don’t take the time to address...
“It doesn’t matter how far along the divorce is or how long the action has been pending, the law considers you to be legally married until the judge signs the final decree ending the marriage,” writes Patti Spencer in thebalance.com. That means your spouse may still...
“With markets up and a desire to make an impact strong, charitable giving is growing,” says Pamela Norley, President of Fidelity Charitable. There are four factors driving this generosity, she posits: the strong stock market increased awareness of issues (due to the...
