Blog Author: Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Director of Education, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc. In some countries, like a dictatorship or a true monarchy (not a constitutional monarchy such as the United Kingdom), people do not really participate in making the law. The law is handed down by fiat. In the United States, our laws are enacted by our elected representatives. Sometimes, those laws may be viewed as violating the fundamental rights guaranteed to all of … [Read more...] about Law in the U.S. can be Participatory
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Basics of Estate Planning: Getting the Most out of Charitable Gifts
Blog Author: Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Director of Education, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc. This is another in a series of blogs on the basics of estate planning. Often, an individual wants to make a gift to charity. They don’t want something complicated, but they want to get the most bang for their buck. Estate planning attorneys and other financial professionals know the client could just contribute cash to the charity. Certainly, that would be fine with … [Read more...] about Basics of Estate Planning: Getting the Most out of Charitable Gifts
Basics of Estate Planning: Two Common Mistakes with Trusts
Blog Author: Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Director of Education, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc. This is another in a series of blogs on the basics of estate planning. Trusts are incredibly useful tools. But, like other useful tools, they do not fit every circumstance. They must be used appropriately. For example, a hammer is an exceptional tool to use when looking to drive a nail into a wall. But, if you hit the nail with a glancing blow, the nail will bend and … [Read more...] about Basics of Estate Planning: Two Common Mistakes with Trusts
Basics of Estate Planning: Choosing a Roth or Traditional IRA (or 401k)
Roth and Traditional accounts each have their merits. This blog examines the differences between the two. Blog Author: Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Director of Education, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc. This is another in a series of blogs on the basics of estate planning. In this blog, we’ll look at the differences between a Roth and a traditional IRA (or 401k). We’ll also look at considerations in choosing between them. With a traditional IRA (or … [Read more...] about Basics of Estate Planning: Choosing a Roth or Traditional IRA (or 401k)
Basics of Estate Planning: Advising Clients on Selecting Fiduciaries
Blog Author: Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Director of Education, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc. This is another in a series of blogs on the basics of estate planning. Often, one of the most difficult choices for a client to make is the selection of people to make decisions for them. These fiduciaries may have great control over the client’s affairs, typically at times when the client would be most vulnerable or already gone. Let’s take a look at the … [Read more...] about Basics of Estate Planning: Advising Clients on Selecting Fiduciaries
Basics of Estate Planning: Asset Protection
Blog Author: Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Director of Education, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc. This is another in a series of blogs on the basics of estate planning. This week, we’ll take a look at asset protection. Much depends upon whose assets you are looking to protect. If the assets are those that are coming to you, the debtor, then typically, those can be protected completely. The debtor could protect their own assets in three general ways: 1) … [Read more...] about Basics of Estate Planning: Asset Protection
Basics of Estate Planning: Estate Planning for Major Life Events
Blog Author: Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Director of Education, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc. This is another in a series of blogs on the basics of estate planning. Estate planning attorneys do many things. We help people structure their affairs for the various stages of their lives. When the client is starting out, we may help them establish a basic plan. This might include: A Financial General Durable Power of Attorney. This would allow … [Read more...] about Basics of Estate Planning: Estate Planning for Major Life Events
Los Angeles Aid and Attendance Benefits Lawyer Can Help You Apply
Wartime veterans who have at least 90 days of active duty, during which at least one day began or ended during the wartime, is eligible for Veterans Aid & Attendance benefits. Also, surviving spouses who were married as of the veteran’s death could also be eligible. However, there are specific medical and financial qualifications that may apply to your situation, so discuss your eligibility with our Los Angeles aid and attendance benefits lawyer. Medical and financial qualifications for … [Read more...] about Los Angeles Aid and Attendance Benefits Lawyer Can Help You Apply
6 Tips for Orange County LGBTQ Estate Planning
When it comes to Orange County LGBTQ estate planning, same-sex couples face some unique issues. Even with the favorable court decisions seen across the country, it is still important for the LGBTQ community to consider the unique estate planning issues that they will likely face. In fact, estate planning for LGBTs may be even more critical. Here are six estate planning tips for same-sex couples to consider. No. 1 - You need to have a will The basic component of Orange County LGBTQ estate … [Read more...] about 6 Tips for Orange County LGBTQ Estate Planning
Distinguishing Between Community and Separate Property in Your Estate Plan
When it comes to estate planning, our Orange County estate planning attorneys will tell you that the nature of your property is very important. This is especially true in Orange County and all of California, which is a community-property state. Understanding how community property ownership affects your estate plan is crucial. Here is what you need to know. What is community property? California, along with eight other states, is a community-property state. What that means is any property … [Read more...] about Distinguishing Between Community and Separate Property in Your Estate Plan
