Recent Articles

Using Insurance to Cover Estate Taxes: Get a Check-up

Laurie Kadair Redman
May 26, 2009 20:46

Many people use life insurance to cover the cost of the death tax, but the strategy is failing in some estate plans now. Why? Because of low interest rates. A plan issued when rates were higher could be counted on...Many people use life insurance to cover the cost of the death tax, but the strategy...

Minor Children & Your Estate Plan

Laurie Kadair Redman
March 26, 2009 12:59

Another reminder of the dangers of not have an estate plan in place if you have minor children. This one from The California Estate Planning Blog. One of their authors writes (and is right): I am constantly amazed at how... Another reminder of the dangers of not have an estate plan in place if you...

How to Roll Your Own Will

Laurie Kadair Redman
March 11, 2009 21:58

Much of this blog is dedicated to convincing readers to see an estate planning attorney to draft a will and other estate planning documents. In these economic times, some may decide that's too expensive and download a form off of...Much of this blog is dedicated to convincing readers to see an...

And the Oscar goes to...

Laurie Kadair Redman
February 23, 2009 19:57

Heath Ledger, but since he died in January '08 many have speculated as to who would get the coveted statuette if he won. His daughter, Matilda? But wait, she's only 3 and is legally unable to sign the winner's agreement...Heath Ledger, but since he died in January '08 many have speculated as to who...

Estate Planning Primer

Laurie Kadair Redman
February 05, 2009 19:13

Paul Sullivan of the New York Times recently wrote an article containing concise explanations of basic estate planning ideas and why you should plan now.Check the article out here.Paul Sullivan of the New York Times recently wrote an article containing concise explanations of basic estate planning...

Obama to Keep Estate Tax

Laurie Kadair Redman
January 15, 2009 14:26

On Monday, The Wall Street Journal reported that the Obama team plans to keep the estate tax instead of letting it expire in the year 2010 as planned. The democrats position as stated by the article is:In making their case...On Monday, The Wall Street Journal reported that the Obama team plans to...

Another Tip for Tough Times: You may have a tax break on your 529 plan

Laurie Kadair Redman
November 14, 2008 13:00

Your 529 plan allows you to invest tax-free for college expenses. The flip side is that if your plan has lost money, you may be able to deduct the losses from your adjusted gross income. This is an obscure tax...Your 529 plan allows you to invest tax-free for college expenses. The flip side is that...

The Silver Lining to the Market Meltdown

Laurie Kadair Redman
November 12, 2008 20:52

The Wall Street Journal has an excellent article on why now is a good time to transfer wealth to your heirs. They write:The economy is a mess, home prices are reeling, and stocks have plunged. But for those likely to...The Wall Street Journal has an excellent article on why now is a good time to...

Have a Backup Plan

Laurie Kadair Redman
September 16, 2008 15:42

They say: Paul V., a 27-year-old man who has been severely disabled since birth, was placed under guardianship in Illinois, with the court naming his grandparents, whom he lived with, and a bank as guardians. ... His mother and grandmother agreed to the appointment, but did not discuss with the...

Estate Planning and Divorce

Laurie Kadair Redman
August 28, 2008 03:30

Before the divorce is final, meet with your estate planning attorney to: Examine any powers of attorney (POA) in which you have named your current spouse and revise them to designate someone else as your agent. Also, check to make sure any entity that has a copy of the old POA is notified of the...