Pages
- 2013 TAX LAW UPDATES FOR LAW FIRM WEBSITES
- A Living Trust Can Be a Vital Estate Planning Tool
- Advantages of Working With Our Firm
- Communities We Serve – Beachwood
- Communities We Serve – Cleveland
- Communities We Serve – Willoughby
- Contact Us
- Disclaimer
- Educational Alerts
- Estate and Gift Tax Figures
- Estate Planning Articles
- Estate Planning Consumer Poll
- Interactive Resources
- News and Events
- Newsletters
- Our Firm
- Privacy Policy
- Protect Your Assets and Preserve Your Legacy with a Medicaid Plan
- Protect Your Future with Estate Planning
- Reports
- Resources
- Services
- Asset Protection & Business Planning
- Elder Law & Medicaid Services
- Estate Planning Services
- Family-Owned Businesses & Farms
- Financial Planning Assistance
- How the New Estate Tax Exclusion Affects Your Estate Plan
- Incapacity Planning
- IRA & Retirement Planning
- Legacy Planning
- LGBTQ Estate Planning
- Personal Injury
- Pet Planning
- Special Needs Planning
- Trust Administration & Probate
- Special Needs Planning
Posts by category
- Category: General
- Category: Advance Directives
- Category: Asset Protection
- Category: Elder Law
- Be Aware Of Long-Term Care Costs
- Take Full Advantage Of Veterans Benefits
- Incapacity Planning Is an Important Component
- Medicaid Eligibility: Does My Trust Count?
- Make Healthy Choices, but Don’t Harbor Illusions
- Something to Think About as Population Ages
- Have You Considered a Residential Care Home?
- Alzheimer’s Strikes Nearly Half of Oldest Old
- Take Full Advantage of Veterans Benefits
- Nursing Home Facts to Consider
- Elders Must Watch Their Money
- Practical Preparations for Possible Challenges
- What Is HIPAA?
- Medicaid Limits Adjusted Upward This Year
- There May Come a Time When Your Parents Need Assistance
- Three Frequently Asked Social Security Questions
- Are You Concerned About Potential Nursing Home Expenses?
- Medicare Recipients Should Note 2013 Changes
- Seek Legal Counsel Prior to Signing Contracts
- Will Medicare Pay Nursing Home Expenses?
- Elder Law Case of Interest Decided in Kentucky
- Change to VA Assisted Living Benefit Being Considered
- Long-Term Care Costs: Upward Trending a Concern
- Researchers Probe Caregiver Agencies’ Screening Processes
- What Is a Medicaid “Spend-Down”
- Is Medicaid Eligibility Possible?
- Elderly Clients May Balk at Spending Money for Necessary Medical Care
- Category: Estate Administration
- Category: Estate Planning
- Planning for Special Needs Children
- 529 Plans: Planning for Education with a Tax and Asset Protection Bonus
- Make Your Own Plan
- Planning for Step-Children
- Disinheritance
- Your Planning Can Help Your Loved Ones
- The Importance of Communicating Your Plans
- How Much is Too Much?
- Many Reasons to Plan
- Why Crowdfunding May Cost You Medicaid Eligibility
- Consequences of Modifying an Irrevocable Trust
- Clarity is Key to Planning
- Kiddie Tax is Worse Than Ever
- Staying Current on Estate Planning
- What is a GST Trust?
- New Tax Proposal re: Retirement Savings
- Making Trusts More Flexible
- Trust Protectors Add Flexibility
- Modifying an Irrevocable Trust
- When and Where You Die Matters
- Planning is Critical
- New Estate Tax Proposal
- ABLE Accounts
- What Are 529 Plans and What Are Their Advantages?
- What are UGMA and UTMA Accounts?
- State Income Taxation
- State Income Taxation of Nongrantor Trusts
- New Tax Proposals
- Beneficiary Designations, etc., Aren’t a True Substitute for a Trust
- Selecting an Agent under a Power of Attorney
- Turning the Page on 2018 and Looking Forward to 2019
- Grantor Trusts Provide Flexibility and Ease
- QDRO: Not Just for Divorce Anymore
- How Are Trusts Taxed?
- Proposed Regulations Address “Clawback” Issue
- Giving Back
- Estate Planning is About More Than Taxes
- Special Accounts for People with Special Needs
- Estate Planning is for You, Not Just Your Parents or Grandparents
- You Never Know: Planning for the Unexpected
- Incapacity Planning
- Basics of Estate Planning: IRAs
- Law in the U.S. can be Participatory
- Basics of Estate Planning: Getting the Most out of Charitable Gifts
- Basics of Estate Planning: Lack of Coordination
- Basics of Estate Planning: Two Common Mistakes with Trusts
- What Are POD Accounts?
- Workplace Introduction To Advance Planning
- Incentive Trusts Can Provide Guidance
- Be Proactive About Asset Protection
- DIY Estate Planning: An Easy Answer?
- Your Estate May be Subject to State Inheritance Taxes
- Ethical Will Can Provide Needed Insight
- You Have Stated Your Wishes—Who Carries Them Out?
- Cowell Eyes Cryonic Future
- What is a “Durable” Power of Attorney?
- Get Your Ohio Pet Planning Report
- Courtroom Avoided in Kinkade Estate Case
- Providing Clarity to Life Insurance Beneficiaries
- Late Doors Co-Founder Will Be Remembered
- A Reality Show You Don’t Want Your Family Appearing On
- Is Joint Ownership a Suitable Substitute for a Formal Estate Plan?
- No Marital Deduction for Non-Citizen Spouses
- Actors Brophy & Barton Receiving Bequests From Stranger
- Farm Families Get Estate Tax Reprieve
- The “Wait a While” Trust
- Where Can You Find Trustworthy Estate Planning Information?
- Three Common Estate Planning Misconceptions
- Children of Jerry Buss Won’t Sell Lakers to Pay Estate Tax
- Three Things to Know About Revocable Living Trusts
- Think About Your Goals Before Initial Consultation
- Inheritance Expectations Can Backfire
- A Look at Three Different Types of Wills
- Building Wealth Is One Thing, Wealth Preservation Is Another
- Tax Efficiency Strategies a Must for Affluent Same-Sex Couples
- Estate Planning & Elder Law: Separate Facts From Fiction
- Providing for Children After Remarriage
- Higher Volume of Large Gifts Given in 2012
- Wealthy Same-Sex Couples Await Supreme Court Decision
- Autism & Special Needs Planning
- Top Three Estate Planning Suggestions
- Brace Yourself for Possible Estate Tax Increase
- Google Offering Digital Estate Planning Tool
- Life Insurance: Simple but Effective Solution
- Why Use a Revocable Living Trust?
- Man’s Best Friend & Your Estate Plan
- Intelligent Funding of 529 Plan Can Provide Tax Savings
- A Fresh Look at Prenuptial Agreements
- Beware of Will Forgery
- Celebrities Fund Pet Trusts With Millions
- Powerball and the Gift Tax
- Some Insurance Policy Proceeds Are Never Claimed
- Confusion Ultimately Benefits Oklahoma Animal Shelter
- What Is a “Springing” Durable POA?
- Three Things a Last Will Won’t Do
- What Does a Life Estate Accomplish?
- Leaving Surprises Behind Is Risky Business
- $40 Million Estate Has No Heirs
- How Can a Roth IRA Be Part of an Estate Plan?
- Discuss Estate Administration With Your Attorney
- Authorization for Final Disposition Facilitates Desired Final Arrangements
- Tax-Free Gifts: Higher Limit in 2013
- Home Value Can Push Estate Into Taxable Territory
- Portability Requires Action on Part of Executor
- Are You a Single Parent Without an Estate Plan?
- Creation of Private Foundation Possible for Some
- Trust Administration Report a Must Read
- Net Worth Relevant to Planning Efforts
- Do the Right Thing in 2013: Start Planning Ahead
- How Does One “Stretch” an Individual Retirement Account
- Confused About Estate Planning? Download Our Free Report
- Get Your Free Report on the Probate Process
- A Treasured Work of Art With No Marketable Value
- Hagman Passes; Property on Market
- Sitcom Legend Buried at Last
- Dangers of DIY Wills: Get Your Free Report
- Singer’s Estate Tells Tale About Probate
- Obtain Your Free Ohio Living Trust Report
- How Grandparents Can Provide for Grandchildren
- Getting Remarried? Cover All Your Bases
- Planning for Individuals With Special Needs
- Advanced Estate Planning With Charitable Remainder Unitrusts
- Hemsley Challenge: El Paso Court Date Set
- Census Data: Cohabitation on Rise Among Elder Couples
- Should Asset Transfers Be Taxed?
- 2013: A Tale of Two Taxes
- Carroll Shelby: Dispute Over Final Arrangements Settled
- Planning Your Estate in the Digital Age
- Crime Novelist Larsson Died Intestate
- Philadelphia Man Contests Hemsley Estate
- QPRT May Be Useful in 2013 Given Upcoming Changes
- Pour-Over Wills Tie up Loose Ends
- Don’t Rely on Joint Accounts
- Independent Confirmation: DIY Wills Not Advisable
- Keeping Secrets From Your Attorney Can Cause Problems Later
- Will There Be Anything Left After You Pass Away?
- Planning for Possible Incapacity
- Will Insurance Proceeds Be Taxable?
- Ask Your Attorney About Family Limited Partnerships
- Estate Planning for Same-Sex Couples
- Lessons to Be Learned From Smith/Marshall Case
- Generous Tax-Free Gift Giving Window Closing
- So You Are Too Young for an Estate Plan…
- Reducing the Taxable Value of Your Home
- GST Can Preserve Wealth
- Interested In Charitable Giving?
- Core Anatomy Of Basic Estate Plan
- Remember Your Pets When Planning Ahead
- A Look At The Federal Estate Tax
- Life Insurance & Your Estate Plan
- What You Should Learn From Michael Crichton’s Estate Battle
- Estate Planning: Covering Your Bases
- Consider Utilizing Annual Gift Tax Exemption
- Prepare For Medical Contingencies With Advance Directives
- Welcome to the Blog of The O’Brien Law Firm, LLC
- Category: Estate Tax
- Category: Financial Planning
- Social Security & Medicare: When Will I Be Eligible?
- Advance Planning for Retired Veterans
- HECM May Be Questionable Choice
- Social Security Recipients May See Smaller Inflation Adjustments
- Revise the Plan to Enjoy Comfortable Retirement
- Define Personal Resources With a Post-Marital Agreement
- Work on Your Own Terms as a Senior
- How Bright Is Your Future?
- Working for Yourself? Consider a Self-Employed 401(k)
- Things to Consider When Selecting a Retirement Destination
- SSA Cost Cutting Includes Paperless Mandate
- Clear Retirement Path Exists for Service Members
- Retirement Planning: Budget for Escalating Property Taxes
- Category: Incapacity Planning
- Category: Long-Term Care
- Category: Probate
- Category: Retirement Planning
- Category: Special Needs Planning
- Category: Taxes
- Category: Trusts
- Category: Wills
- Category: Legal Education
- Category: Estate Planning
Staff Profiles
- Terry Donner
- Janis Hughes
- Marlene (“Marcy”) C. Foth
- Vincent J. Massa
- Maria E. Quinn
- Candace A. Kermode
- Joseph L. Motta
- Ellen J. Richman
- Kimberly J. Baranovich
- Gary C. Haas
- Michael J. O’Brien
FAQ
- Is a Living Trust a good idea for a LGBTQ person?
- Do unmarried couples have to plan more than married couples do?
- Are my estate planning documents a matter of public record?
- Is there a tax if I give some of my property to my spouse or partner?
- Will my spouse or partner be appointed guardian of my minor child?
- Can I make decisions about my spouse or partner’s remains?
- How can I be sure that I will be allowed to visit my spouse or partner in the hospital or assisted living facility?
- Can my spouse or partner make medical decisions for me if I’m sick?
- Can my spouse or partner handle my financial affairs if I am incapacitated?
- I’m married, why do I need to plan?
- Does marriage, domestic partnership or civil union provide all the benefits of marriage?
- What do I do about Social Security?
- How do I transfer the car(s) into my name?
- Can I pick and choose what assets go into the “B” trust?
- I thought that a living trust avoids probate and attorney fees. Why do I have to pay more fees?
- Does the Trust Administration process take a long time?
- What is Probate Court?
- Does the Probate process take a long time?
- What is Probate?
- Is a Living Trust a good idea for a LGBTQ person?
- Do unmarried couples have to plan more than married couples do?
- Are my estate planning documents a matter of public record?
- Is there a tax if I give some of my property to my spouse or partner?
- Will my spouse or partner be appointed guardian of my minor child?
- Can I make decisions about my spouse or partner’s remains?
- How can I be sure that I will be allowed to visit my spouse or partner in the hospital or assisted living facility?
- Can my spouse or partner make medical decisions for me if I’m sick?
- Can my spouse or partner handle my financial affairs if I am incapacitated?
- I am in an unmarried relationship, do I need to plan?
- I am married, why do I need to plan?
- Does same-sex marriage, domestic partnership, or civil union provide all the benefits of heterosexual marriage?
- How will my income tax return get filed?
- What happens if my son needs his tuition paid while I’m disabled?
- What happens if my investments need to be changed quickly due to market conditions or to reflect new circumstances and risk tolerance?
- How will my bills get paid?
- If I have no chance of recovery, will I be kept on life support?
- Who will decide medical treatment issues?
- Who will decide where I live?
- What steps can I take to preserve my legacy?
- Can any attorney create a Family Wealth Trust?
- Is a Family Wealth Trust only for the rich?
- If I have a “bare bones” living trust should I go back to the attorney who drafted the trust?
- How do I know if I have a “bare bones” living trust?
- Is the Family Wealth Trust some kind of loophole the government will eventually close down?
- Can I transfer real estate into a Family Wealth Trust?
- Will a Family Wealth Trust avoid income taxes?
- If I set up a Family Wealth Trust, can I be my own trustee?
- Why should I have a Family Wealth Trust?
- The possibility of a disabling injury or illness scares me. What would happen if I were mentally disabled and had no estate plan or just a Will?
- How does a Family Wealth Trust differ from a Revocable Living Trust?
- What’s the difference between having a Will and a Living Trust?
- What is a Family Wealth Trust?
- If I don’t create an estate plan, won’t the government provide one for me?
- What is the difference between “traditional” estate planning and Legacy Wealth Planning?
- Why do I need an estate plan?
- What is “traditional” estate planning?
- What is Legacy Wealth Planning?
- Must an estate tax return be filed if portability will be utilized?
- What is portability?
- What is a state estate or inheritance tax?
- What is the federal estate tax?
- Can any attorney create a Living Trust?
- Isn’t a Living Trust only for the rich?
- Is the Living Trust some kind of loophole the government will eventually close down?
- Can I transfer real estate into a Living Trust?
- Will a Living Trust avoid income taxes?
- If I set up a Living Trust, can I be my own trustee?
- The possibility of a disabling injury or illness scares me. What would happen if I were mentally disabled and had no estate plan or just a Will?
- What’s the difference between having a Will and a Living Trust?
- If I don’t create an estate plan, won’t the government provide one for me?
- Why do I need an estate plan?
