The past few years have brought more people than ever to the world of Estate Planning. Whether prompted by global uncertainty, changes in tax law, or a desire for peace of mind, families and individuals are eager to put their affairs in order. At the same time, attorneys have worked tirelessly to meet that demand—often managing more clients and cases than ever before. With this increased volume, efficiency has become essential. But in the rush to serve everyone well, it’s important not to … [Read more...] about Balancing Efficiency and Excellence: The Perils of Boilerplate in a Busy Estate Planning Practice
Legal Education
Don’t Be a Turkey or a Ham- Take Advantage of Your Annual per Donee Exclusion Amount
The holidays are a great time to review the past year and make plans for the upcoming one. Part of those plans should be reviewing your Estate Plan and considering what, if any, steps you should take to help you achieve your goals. One of the easiest, but most overlooked, ways to do some quick planning is to take advantage of the annual per donee exclusion amount which can have a tremendous impact on reducing the estate without use of the applicable exclusion amount. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Don’t Be a Turkey or a Ham- Take Advantage of Your Annual per Donee Exclusion Amount
Fall Summit 2025: Accountability in Action
The best Estate Planners know that staying current on the latest trends and developments is essential to serving their clients with excellence. That’s why the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys hosts its semi-annual conference, providing education and learning for and inspiring excellence in its Members. Read on to learn more about the unique experience at the conference. … [Read more...] about Fall Summit 2025: Accountability in Action
Preparing for FinCEN Real Estate Reporting
Although the Corporate Transparency Act’s Beneficial Ownership Information reports no longer apply to domestic entities due to their exemption, another FinCEN requirement is moving full steam ahead, and estate planning attorneys should not overlook it. Starting December 1, 2025, professionals involved in real estate closings and settlements will be required to submit reports to FinCEN for certain non-financed transfers of residential property to legal entities or trusts. Continue reading to … [Read more...] about Preparing for FinCEN Real Estate Reporting
What Football and Estate Planning Have in Common
I, like many Americans, love football. As I settled in to watch my team’s game this week, I wondered if I could turn it into a blog. As I watched, I realized, in fact, football and Estate Planning share many commonalities. Continue reading to learn more. … [Read more...] about What Football and Estate Planning Have in Common
Hulk Hogan and Disclaimers…?
When Terry Bollea, aka “Hulk Hogan,” died on July 24 at age 71 in his Clearwater, Florida home, I wondered if I’d have another celebrity estate gone awry to discuss. I found something different but equally important for Estate Planning practitioners: disclaimers. Continue reading to learn more. … [Read more...] about Hulk Hogan and Disclaimers…?
“Let’s Go Crazy” … Over Prince’s Estate
When Prince died over nine (9) years ago, he shocked his fans one last time. Turns out, his unexpected death wasn’t the last surprise. Prince died without an Estate Plan causing his siblings to spend the next six years fighting over his Estate. Continue reading to learn more. … [Read more...] about “Let’s Go Crazy” … Over Prince’s Estate
National Make-a-Will Month
Although many Estate Plans have a Revocable Trust as the foundation for the plan, Wills play an important role in a comprehensive Estate Plan. Alarmingly, most Americans don’t have a Will even though they know it’s important. As National Make a Will month comes to a close, let’s explore the often overlooked and neglected Estate Planning document, the Will. Continue reading to learn more. … [Read more...] about National Make-a-Will Month
How Specific Devises Impact Inheritance
Parents often decide to leave one child a specific asset and provide an equalizing cash bequest to the other. This article explores how specific bequests may provide unintended results. Continue reading to learn more. … [Read more...] about How Specific Devises Impact Inheritance
Graduation . . . What’s Next?
While summer gives us pools, barbecues, and a break from the usual grind, it also provides an opportunity to undertake some necessary Estate Planning, especially for young adults heading off to college. Continue reading to learn more. … [Read more...] about Graduation . . . What’s Next?
