Many people equate estate planning with a will. While a will is an important part of an estate plan, a complete estate plan often includes more than a simple will. Estate plans may include a will, a trust, a power of attorney and an advanced medical directive. There are multiple types of both testamentary trusts (which activate at the death of the testator and are drafted wholly in the will) and intervivos trusts (drafted and funded prior to the passing of the testator). These documents should be drafted to work together with the rest of your financial plan to form a comprehensive estate plan.
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If you have been named the executor of a will, you have likely been overwhelmed by the various requirements, notices and tax claims. Filling out state and federal schedules and meeting or trying to meet strict deadlines can be difficult. The assistance of a professional who understands estate administration is not only helpful, it is essential. We have many years experience in handling estates, both great and small. Whether your estate is federally taxable and requires additional post mortem planning, or is a simple, one-asset estate, we can help. Read more...
The American economy picked up steam last quarter, with output growing at an annualized rate of 2.8 percent, a faster rate than the 1.8 percent of the third quarter.
Lael Brainard, a Treasury under secretary who is America?s top financial diplomat, is trying to coax European leaders to contribute to a financial firewall.
