“The word “estate” has always been connected to “ultra-rich” families, those with a lot to leave behind after their death. However, definitions have now changed, and anyone who has anything to leave behind needs to plan their estate.” Continue reading

“The biggest misconception people have about estate planning is that “they are not that old and can do it later,” say almost half (49%) of advisors in a recent Key Private Bank Advisor Poll on estate planning. Yet, the majority (73%) of advisors say the ideal age to start putting an estate plan in place is before 40—earlier than many people think.” Continue reading

“Billionaire Estee Lauder heir William Lauder wants his baby mama evicted from the $7 million mansion he gave her in the Bel Air neighborhood of Los Angeles.” Continue reading

“In some cases, estate planning can be quite simple. In others, it can be a complex process with far-reaching consequences. In either case, it is important to review your wishes and have the proper documents prepared to ensure that they are followed at your death.” Continue reading

“Digital assets are part of your legacy. It’s important to plan for how you want them to be managed after you’re gone.” Continue reading

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has finalized new rules that make it more difficult to qualify for long-term care benefits. The rules establish an asset limit, a look-back period, and asset transfer penalties for claimants applying for VA pension benefits that require a showing of financial need. The principal such benefit for those needing long-term care is Aid and Attendance. Continue reading

Long-term care costs can add up quickly. For veterans and the surviving spouses of veterans who need in-home care or are in a nursing home, help may be available. #ArdKnowsElderLaw Continue reading

“A popular technique is to use a qualified terminable interest property (QTIP) trust.” Continue reading

#ArdKnowsElderLaw Continue reading

MERP Continue reading

#ArdKnowsElderLaw Continue reading

“Payable on death accounts can help streamline the process of transferring certain assets to loved ones, after you pass away.” Continue reading

“When it comes to estate planning and deciding who gets what, most people concern themselves, understandably, with big-ticket items: investment accounts, real estate, business interests, etc. In doing so, it’s easy to overlook personal possessions, the seemingly mundane items that are part of daily life.” Continue reading

“Pink's COVID-19 battle left her fearing for her life. During a conversation on Mark Wright's Heart radio show, the 41-year-old singer revealed that she went so far as to rewrite her will, when she was ill last year.” Continue reading

“When the legendary singer, songwriter and performer Prince died suddenly in 2016, he left an estate estimated to be worth between $50 and $300 million dollars – and no will. Without a spouse, living parents or children, his sister and five half siblings have been battling it out since, in one of the most complicated probate court proceedings in Minnesota history, with tens of millions of dollars being spent on fees for lawyers and consultants.” Continue reading

“Estate planning isn't just about hard assets anymore. Who will read your email when you die?” Continue reading

“While memorials and tributes continue to pour in, one thing is clear: Prince Philip had clearly defined wishes regarding how he wished to pass, as well as his funeral plan.” Continue reading

“How can we avoid probate and reduce the estate tax for our beneficiaries, who are our two adult children?” Continue reading

“You may love your son-in-law or daughter-in-law now, but that could change down the road. So, if you don’t want your money going to your child’s future ex, here’s what you should do.” Continue reading

“Mehmet Öz, a U.S. celebrity surgeon of Turkish origin better known as “Dr. Oz,” took legal action against his sister Nazlım Suna Öz, claiming she forged documents over their father’s inheritance.” Continue reading

“There's no debating the fact that Marilyn Monroe was an icon. She remains one nearly six decades after her mysterious death in 1962 at the age of 36. Monroe and her likeness are still BIG business, generating millions of dollars a year in royalties and license fees.” Continue reading

“How can you prepare your children to handle the assets they’ll eventually inherit?” Continue reading

“Aretha Franklin was initially thought to have died without a will, but now still another document that may represent her last wishes has been found.” Continue reading

“The Kate Marmion Charitable Foundation, an entity created to support people and programs in Uvalde and South Texas, has become ensnared in a lawsuit involving the family of the late former Gov. Dolph Briscoe Jr.” Continue reading

“What are the advantages of putting assets into a trust?” Continue reading