Many people hear “probate” and immediately think of hassle, expense, and delays. While many estate planning fears are unfounded, probate proceedings can be just as daunting as they seem. Individuals may seek to avoid probate and make the process easier on their families and loved ones. One way to avoid probate is through trusts, which…
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Contemplating post-life options is an essential part of any Colorado estate plan. While addressing these issues can elicit discomfort, establishing a solid and legally sound plan also provides peace and comfort to the planner and their loved ones. Individuals planning for the disposition and transfer of their assets must address their funeral and burial arrangements.…
Continue reading ›The probate process in many states can be complicated and stressful for the families of individuals who have recently passed. Thankfully, a skilled estate planning attorney can do much to help individuals and families avoid these headaches, including setting up trusts to keep some assets out of probate and drafting clear wills and other beneficiary…
Continue reading ›Many clients, including high-net-worth individuals, often worry about the impact of taxes on their estates. Tax laws change regularly with the political landscape, and frequent updates to tax shield strategies should be considered. The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act protected estates with a number of tools to shield and exempt against taxation. However, this…
Continue reading ›Estate planning can seem complicated at any income level. Considering your assets, thinking through how you want those assets distributed, choosing guardians for your children, and selecting executors, trustees, and other fiduciaries can all take time and money, especially when done without the guidance of a skilled estate planning attorney. For high net worth individuals,…
Continue reading ›For many people, estate planning can seem intimidating but is ultimately relatively simple. Everyone needs an estate plan, but not everyone needs special arrangements to save on estate taxes or plan for business succession. Individuals and families who do need these more complex strategies may not know where to start. Below are a few advanced…
Continue reading ›Less than 46% of Americans surveyed by Gallup in 2021 had a will. This number is shocking—not having estate planning documents can cost your loved ones thousands in legal fees, not to mention family strife and arguments. Or, if you and your family are some of the 54% with plans in place for the future,…
Continue reading ›The recently passed Inflation Reduction Act includes several initiatives that provide tax breaks and rebates for households that take steps to improve their energy efficiency. Consumers who make energy efficient home upgrades and purchases may qualify for up to $10,000 or more in these benefits, in addition to other benefits such as lower electricity bills…
Continue reading ›Estate planners are increasingly using trust protector provisions in trust documents. While these provisions can be flexible and preserve the intent of a trust’s grantor, they also come with risks and complexities. A panel of the trust and estate planning attorneys at Braverman Law Group are hosting a CLE/CPE course to provide a practical guide…
Continue reading ›Many people know it is critical to have a will—and sometimes a trust—as part of their overall estate plan. However, they may not know that there are different types of wills that can be utilized, depending on the person’s financial and personal situation. One of the more unique options is a pour over will. A…
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