News & Articles

“Family” – An Estate Planning Topic Of Constant Change in Ann Arbor

Many families today are living with trusts that their ancestors established decades ago. In each case, there’s a definition of “family,” either explicitly written into the trust or, by default, applied by its governing law.  There are innu… Read More
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Business Owner Lesson: Know The Facts About Bankruptcy in Ann Arbor

Failure isn’t something that most people plan for and that’s a serious mistake. Small business owners know more than anyone about the realities of bankruptcy, either in the form or near-misses or through personal experience. Consequently, no one… Read More
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Did You Forget About Your State Estate And Inheritance Taxes?

If you live in one of the states with an estate tax, you need to take the tax into account when planning your estate … Another state tax to take into account when planning your estate is the inheritance tax. Just when you think you’ve got the who… Read More
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Deduction Limitations Impact Wealthy Donors in Ann Arbor

While most people are fixated on tax rate increases adding to their income tax bill in 2013 and beyond, very few people are aware that the Pease limitation reinstatement can add to their income tax bills by phasing out some key itemized deductions. A… Read More
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How To Make A Planned Gift More Flexible in Ann Arbor

It is indeed possible for a charitable gift annuity, a charitable remainder unitrust, a charitable remainder annuity trust, a life estate agreement or a pooled income fund to be converted into a current gift. Have you considered expanding your genero… Read More
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Categories: Estate Planning

Don’t Dance Around Disinheritance in Ann Arbor

“This is the thing people who disinherit someone don’t understand: It puts a huge amount of pressure on those who aren’t being disinherited,” says Caschetta, whose experience inspired her to write a book on the subject that she's trying… Read More
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Conservation Easements Are No Easy Task – Do Your Homework in Ann Arbor

In general, the value of an easement is the value of the property’s development rights. But in practice, these financial values are far more nuanced and flexible. Do you know the fundamentals of conservation easements? If not, then you might want t… Read More
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Categories: Estate Planning

Estate Planning With Portability in Ann Arbor

The first issue regarding portability is what does portability do? The answer is that portability allows the first spouse to die to transfer his/her unused estate tax applicable exclusion amount to the surviving spouse, who can then use it for his/he… Read More
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Your Last Will And Testament Is NOT The Final Word On Your IRA in Ann Arbor

The only time your Will would control who gets your IRA is if your estate is the beneficiary. Generally, it’s not a good idea to name your estate as the beneficiary of your IRA. Even though you made sure to prepare your Last Will and Testament, it… Read More
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Categories: Estate Planning

Are You Planning To Fund Your Retirement With A Business Sale in Ann Arbor?

If selling your business is any part of your retirement plan, Mr. Gerber said, it is essential to know what your business is worth. And it is important to start tracking its value long before you plan to sell. As a business owner, your business and y… Read More
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Categories: Estate Planning