Estate Planning for the GLBT Community Guidance and assistance with Living Trusts, Health Care Powers of Attorney, and Asset Distribution.
American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys Recognized by Money Magazine Again Carolyn Bigda’s article “Rethink Your Legacy” in the June issue of Money Magazine explores the five questions you should be asking regarding your estate. The article recommends the American Academy’s website, www.aaepa.com, as a source to find a qualified estate planning attorney. The Associate Director of Education at the Academy, Steve Hartnett, was also interviewed in the article and lent his expertise to one of the five questions. This is the fifth mention of finding a quality attorney on the American Academy’s members list by Money Magazine in the last 21 issues.
Consumer Reports Recommends American Academy The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys was recommended in the January 2009 Consumer Reports Money Adviser newsletter. The article “How to Avoid Inheritance Feuds” focuses on techniques for avoiding conflict after a loved one passes away. The article recommends using the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys as a source for selecting a qualified estate planning attorney. The article also warned consumers to be explicit in their will in order to avoid disagreements. Other advice included deciding what is fair for each heir versus just dividing assets evenly and to keep everyone in your family informed of decisions beforehand.
Consumer Reports Money Adviser is an independent, non-profit newsletter that offers expert advice.
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ESTATE PLANNING NEWS Estate Planning: Know the TerminologyAlthough thinking of one's own death is an uncomfortable task, most people agree that initiating some form of estate planning is prudent. However, some people may feel intimidated by meeting with an attorney to discuss their needs because of an unfamiliarity with the law. A good lawyer will discuss your available options in simple terms that a person with no legal training can comprehend. But you can also relieve some of that hesitancy by familiarizing yourself with legal terminology before meeting with a qualified estate planning attorney to discuss the appropriate choices for you.
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CLIENT NEWSLETTERS Your Estate Matters Newsletter, Vol. 14.2
EDUCATIONAL ALERTS JGTRRA Brings Tax Relief for BusinessesIn this e-alert, we summarize how JGTRRA brings tax relief to small businesses and corporations.
EDUCATIONAL FYIs Treasury Department Curtails Abusive Use of Life Insurance and Annuity ContractsThe Treasury Department and the IRS issued two Revenue Rulings designed to curtail the abusive use of life insurance and annuity contracts to avoid current taxation on investment earnings. Life insurance and annuity contracts receive favorable treatment under the Internal Revenue Code, including deferring tax on the investment earnings of those contracts, because they provide life insurance protection or a way to save for retirement.
Critical New Privacy Regulations Impact You and Every Member of Your Family In April 2003 the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued final regulations regarding the privacy provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, commonly known as "HIPAA."