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Beneficiary Designations and the SECURE Act: Prior Designations

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Beneficiary designations can be deceptively simple. But their simplicity is sort of like an iceberg. Danger lurks beneath those tranquil waters, both for the client and the attorney. Designations for IRAs and retirement plans can be particularly complicated, especially after the SECURE Act. This article examines how beneficiary designations done prior to the SECURE Act might not have the intended consequences today. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Beneficiary Designations and the SECURE Act: Prior Designations

Beneficiary Designations and the SECURE Act Basics

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Beneficiary designations can be deceptively simple. But their simplicity is sort of like an iceberg. Danger lurks beneath those tranquil waters, both for the client and the attorney. Designations for IRAs and retirement plans can be particularly complicated, especially after the SECURE Act. This article focuses on the basics of the SECURE Act. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Beneficiary Designations and the SECURE Act Basics

Beneficiary Designations and the SECURE Act: Eligible Designated Beneficiaries

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Beneficiary designations can be deceptively simple. But their simplicity is sort of like an iceberg. Danger lurks beneath those tranquil waters, both for the client and the attorney. Designations for IRAs and retirement plans can be particularly complicated, especially after the SECURE Act. This article focuses on beneficiaries who don’t fall under the standard 10-year payout of the SECURE Act. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Beneficiary Designations and the SECURE Act: Eligible Designated Beneficiaries

Estate Planning: It’s Not Just About the Estate Taxes

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The recent tax law temporarily doubled the estate tax exemption. That doesn’t mean there’s no need for estate planning. Estate plans consider many important aspects, not just estate taxes. This article examines some of the many considerations besides estate taxes. Estate Planning: It’s Not Just About the Estate Taxes … [Read more...] about Estate Planning: It’s Not Just About the Estate Taxes

What’s an “Atom Bomb” or “Contingent Remainder” Beneficiary?

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When you’re deciding to whom to leave assets, most people choose their children or other descendants. However, you also need to decide on the “contingent remainder” beneficiary. In other words, who should get your assets if all your other beneficiaries are gone. Read on to learn more about this often-confusing concept. … [Read more...] about What’s an “Atom Bomb” or “Contingent Remainder” Beneficiary?

Fair Isn’t Always Equal and Vice Versa

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When you’re deciding how your assets should be divided at death, sometimes dividing them equally is the appropriate choice. But, sometimes it’s not. Fair isn’t always equal or vice versa. Read on to learn more, including how to avoid a challenge if you choose an unequal division among your children. … [Read more...] about Fair Isn’t Always Equal and Vice Versa

The Questions of Estate Planning, Part 4: Where

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People often have questions about Estate Planning. This is the fourth in a series of articles addressing those questions. This fourth article addresses the “where” of Estate Planning. Read on to learn more. The Questions of Estate Planning, Part 4: Where … [Read more...] about The Questions of Estate Planning, Part 4: Where