Under gift tax law, you're entitled to present a gift valued at up to $12,000 to any number of individuals per calendar year without paying gift taxes. Both you and your spouse are eligible for the exclusion, so using both exclusions, you and your spouse can give up to $24,000 to an individual per calendar year without incurring any additional gift taxes. By Dachary Carey |
 | A will or testament is a document in which a person (the testator) assigns personal property rights to others following the testator's death. Learn how to write a will that is legally binding. By Jack Oceano |
Choosing a guardian is the hardest part of estate planning. Ask yourself this question: If I am unable, who do I want to raise my child? There are many factors to consider and no one person will be perfect. |
If a person passes away without a valid estate plan, probate courts will settle property distribution issues. Wills and trusts are estate planning devices used to determine how one's property will be distributed upon their passing. By Mark Mays |
Although death is an uncomfortable topic, it is still important to begin to think about estate planning and writing a will. By Laura A. Panos, Esq. |
In the event of someone dying without a will, that person is said to have died "intestate," or without legal direction on what should happen to their property. In that case, the courts take over. By Jaceson Maughan |
The purpose of a living will and its importance should not be underestimated. Learn how to write a living will and choose someone as a health care proxy. By Jack Oceano |
Creating a will isn't the most exciting activity, but at some point in your life, it should be completed. Wills can be updated as you grow older and acquire more assets, but a basic will should be in effect should anything happen. |
End of life, persistent vegetative state, living wills. All the controversy and conflicts that have been a part of the Terry Schiavo case has had the country and lawmakers in an uproar. When there is no hope of recovery, or when there is no chance of survival, why can't people let go and give in to the inevitable? |
 | When looking for a living will template, understand that will language isn't the same in every state, so be sure you're using the correct language, and be as specific as possible about the treatments you are willing to accept. By Dachary Carey |
