What’s New in Estate and Gift Taxes Under the Federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

As many are likely very aware, the end of 2017 brought with it new tax reform that took effect January 1, 2018. The Federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) made many revisions to the tax code in the first significant reform to the tax code since 1986.  This article will focus on the […]


BENEFICIARY DESIGNATIONS

  Life insurance policies, employer-sponsored retirement plans, annuities, and retirement accounts.  Odds are, you look at this list and see at least one financial account that you hold.  All of these accounts are generally payable upon the death of the account holder to beneficiaries named via beneficiary designations.  Beneficiaries could also be named on certain […]


Going Through Probate of a Will

You have been named Executor under your family member’s will.  Now what?  In order for you to have any authority as an Executor, you will need to obtain official authority from a Court appointing you Executor.  This authority will be granted by what are known as Letters Testamentary.  To get these Letters Testamentary, a petition […]


Girl with horse and dogs in field at sunset

Pet Trusts: Caring for Your Best Friends After You’re Gone

Most people know that part of the process for estate planning is thinking about all of your loved ones and how you would like to provide for them after your death. You want to be sure that your underage children have an appropriate guardian, that your favorite charity is given a share of your estate, or […]