For those wishing to make charitable donations from their IRA accounts, dealing with the resulting tax issues just got a lot easier. In August, Congress passed, and President Bush signed, the Pension Protection Act of 2006. Touted … [Read more...]
Ten Reasons to Create an Estate Plan Now
Posted on August 1, 2006 · Leave a Comment
Many people think that estate plans are for someone else, not them. They may rationalize that they are too young or don’t have enough money to reap the tax benefits of a plan. But as the following list makes clear, estate planning … [Read more...]
Aging Drivers and the Law
Posted on August 1, 2006 · Leave a Comment
We rely heavily on cars in our society; in many places, they are the only convenient link to the outside world. Unfortunately, as people age, driving can become more difficult and more dangerous. The elderly drive less, but have … [Read more...]
Joint Account Fails To Do Its Job
Posted on August 1, 2006 · Leave a Comment
A court decision in Virginia highlights the potential dangers of relying on joint accounts for estate planning. Caine v. NationsBank, N.A. (Va. Sup. Ct., No. 002615, Sept. 14, 2001). In May 1989, Dr. Andrew A. Freier opened a … [Read more...]
Does Your Estate Plan Include Your Pets?
Posted on August 1, 2006 · Leave a Comment
Have you considered your pet or pets when planning your estate? If not, you should, according to The Humane Society of the United States, the nation's largest animal protection organization. "Since pets have shorter life spans, … [Read more...]
Congress Passes Bill Containing Punitive New Medicaid Transfer Rules
Posted on February 8, 2006 · Leave a Comment
By a vote of 216-214, the U.S. House of Representatives has passed budget legislation that will impose punitive new restrictions on the ability of the elderly to transfer assets before qualifying for Medicaid coverage of nursing … [Read more...]
The Message of the Pending Asset Transfer Changes: Don’t Delay Medicaid Planning
Posted on January 17, 2006 · Leave a Comment
As you may know, Congress is on the brink of enacting a law that would impose punitive new restrictions on the ability of the elderly to transfer assets before qualifying for Medicaid coverage of nursing home care. (For the … [Read more...]
