.
Finding that the Defense of Marriage Act's (DOMA's) denial of equal benefits to same-sex couples violates the Equal Protection Clause of the Fifth Amendment, a federal court judge has awarded the surviving spouse of a lesbian couple reimbursement for the tax bill she paid on her wife's estate.
Edith Windsor and Thea Spyer became engaged in 1967 and were married in Canada in 2007, although they lived in New York City. Ordinarily, spouses can leave any amount of property to their spouses free of federal estate tax. But when Ms. Spyer died in 2009, Ms. Windsor, now 82, had to pay Ms Spyer's estate tax bill because of DOMA, a 1996 law that denies federal recognition of gay marriages.
Although New York State considered the couple married, the federal government did not and taxed Ms. Syper's estate as though the two were not married. Ms. Windsor sued the U.S. government seeking to have DOMA declared unconstitutional and asking for a refund of the more than $350,000 in estate taxes she was forced to pay.
Federal court judge Barbara Jones from the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York ruled that there was no rational basis for DOMA's prohibition on recognizing same-sex marriages. Jones stated that it was unclear how DOMA preserves traditional marriage, which is one of the stated purposes of the law. As ElderLawAnswers reported last year, President Obama decided to stop defending DOMA, so members of Congress formed an advisory group to defend the law. This is the fifth case to strike down DOMA.
To read the court’s decision, click here.
Showing posts with label wills. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wills. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Friday, March 9, 2012
When Should You Update Your Estate Plan?
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Once you've created an estate plan, it is important to keep it up to date. You will need to revisit your plan after certain key life events.
Marriage
Whether it is your first or a later marriage, you will need to update your estate plan after you get married. A spouse does not automatically become your heir once you get married. Depending on state law, your spouse may have to share your estate with other relatives. You need a will to spell out how much you wish your spouse to get.
Your estate plan will get more complicated if your marriage is not your first. You and your new spouse need to figure out where each of you wants your assets to go when you die. If you have children from a previous marriage, this can be a difficult discussion. There is no guarantee that if you leave your assets to your new spouse, he or she will provide for your children after you are gone. There are a number of options to ensure your children are provided for, including creating a trust for your children, making your children beneficiaries of life insurance policies, or giving your children joint ownership of property.
Even if you don't have children, there may be family heirlooms or mementos that you want to keep in your family. For more information on estate planning before remarrying, click here.
Children
Once you have children, it is important to name a guardian for your children in your will. If you don't name someone to act as guardian, the court will choose the guardian. Because the court doesn't know your kids like you do, the person they choose may not be ideal. In addition to naming a guardian, you may also want to set up a trust for your children so that your assets are set aside for your children when they get older.
Similarly, when your children reach adulthood, you will want to update your plan to reflect the changes. They will no longer need a guardian, and they may not need a trust. You may even want your children to act as executors or hold a power of attorney.
Divorce or Death of a Spouse
If you get divorced or your spouse dies, you will need to revisit your entire estate plan. It is likely that your spouse is named in some capacity in your estate plan -- for example, as beneficiary, executor, or power of attorney. If you have a trust, you will need to make sure your spouse is no longer a trustee or beneficiary of the trust. You will also need to change the beneficiary on your retirement plans and insurance policies.
Increase or Decrease in Assets
One part of estate planning is estate tax planning. When your estate is small, you don't usually have to worry about estate taxes because only estates over a certain amount, depending on current state and federal law, are subject to estate taxes. For example, the New Jersey estate tax is due on estates as small as $675,000. As your estate grows, you may want to create a plan that minimizes your estate taxes. If you have a plan that focuses on tax planning, but you experience a decrease in assets, you may want to change your plan to focus on other things. For more information about estate taxes, click here.
Other
Other reasons to have your estate plan updated could include:
Once you've created an estate plan, it is important to keep it up to date. You will need to revisit your plan after certain key life events.
Marriage
Whether it is your first or a later marriage, you will need to update your estate plan after you get married. A spouse does not automatically become your heir once you get married. Depending on state law, your spouse may have to share your estate with other relatives. You need a will to spell out how much you wish your spouse to get.
Your estate plan will get more complicated if your marriage is not your first. You and your new spouse need to figure out where each of you wants your assets to go when you die. If you have children from a previous marriage, this can be a difficult discussion. There is no guarantee that if you leave your assets to your new spouse, he or she will provide for your children after you are gone. There are a number of options to ensure your children are provided for, including creating a trust for your children, making your children beneficiaries of life insurance policies, or giving your children joint ownership of property.
Even if you don't have children, there may be family heirlooms or mementos that you want to keep in your family. For more information on estate planning before remarrying, click here.
Children
Once you have children, it is important to name a guardian for your children in your will. If you don't name someone to act as guardian, the court will choose the guardian. Because the court doesn't know your kids like you do, the person they choose may not be ideal. In addition to naming a guardian, you may also want to set up a trust for your children so that your assets are set aside for your children when they get older.
Similarly, when your children reach adulthood, you will want to update your plan to reflect the changes. They will no longer need a guardian, and they may not need a trust. You may even want your children to act as executors or hold a power of attorney.
Divorce or Death of a Spouse
If you get divorced or your spouse dies, you will need to revisit your entire estate plan. It is likely that your spouse is named in some capacity in your estate plan -- for example, as beneficiary, executor, or power of attorney. If you have a trust, you will need to make sure your spouse is no longer a trustee or beneficiary of the trust. You will also need to change the beneficiary on your retirement plans and insurance policies.
Increase or Decrease in Assets
One part of estate planning is estate tax planning. When your estate is small, you don't usually have to worry about estate taxes because only estates over a certain amount, depending on current state and federal law, are subject to estate taxes. For example, the New Jersey estate tax is due on estates as small as $675,000. As your estate grows, you may want to create a plan that minimizes your estate taxes. If you have a plan that focuses on tax planning, but you experience a decrease in assets, you may want to change your plan to focus on other things. For more information about estate taxes, click here.
Other
Other reasons to have your estate plan updated could include:
- You move to another state
- Federal or state estate tax laws have changed
- A guardian, executor, or trustee is no longer able to serve
- You wish to change your beneficiaries
- It has been more than 5 years since the plan has been reviewed by an attorney
Monday, June 28, 2010
What Is the Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax?
The estate tax gets all the press, but if you are leaving property to a grandchild, there is an additional tax you should know about. The generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax is a tax on property that is passed from a grandparent to a grandchild (or great-grandchild) in a will or trust. The tax is also assessed on property passed to unrelated individuals more than 37.5 years younger. Like the estate tax, it is currently repealed, but is scheduled to return in 2011.
The GST tax was designed to close a loophole in the estate tax. Normally, grandparents would leave their estates to their children, incurring estate taxes. Then the children would pass on the estates to the grandchildren, incurring estate taxes again. Wealthy individuals realized they could leave their estates to their grandchildren directly and avoid one set of estate taxes. Congress established the GST tax to prevent this by taxing transfers to related individuals more than one generation away and to unrelated individuals more than 37.5 years younger.
A GST tax is imposed even when property is left in trust for a grandchild. For example, suppose a grandparent sets up a trust that leaves income to her children for life and then the remainder to her grandchildren. The part of the trust left to the grandchildren will be subject to a GST tax.
The GST tax has tracked the estate tax rate and exemption amounts. In 2009, the federal government exempted $3.5 million from the tax and the tax rate was 45 percent. The GST tax expired in 2010 along with the estate tax, but it is scheduled to return in 2011. Unless Congress acts in the meantime, the 2011 GST tax exemption amount will be $1 million and the tax rate will be 55 percent.
The GST tax was designed to close a loophole in the estate tax. Normally, grandparents would leave their estates to their children, incurring estate taxes. Then the children would pass on the estates to the grandchildren, incurring estate taxes again. Wealthy individuals realized they could leave their estates to their grandchildren directly and avoid one set of estate taxes. Congress established the GST tax to prevent this by taxing transfers to related individuals more than one generation away and to unrelated individuals more than 37.5 years younger.
A GST tax is imposed even when property is left in trust for a grandchild. For example, suppose a grandparent sets up a trust that leaves income to her children for life and then the remainder to her grandchildren. The part of the trust left to the grandchildren will be subject to a GST tax.
The GST tax has tracked the estate tax rate and exemption amounts. In 2009, the federal government exempted $3.5 million from the tax and the tax rate was 45 percent. The GST tax expired in 2010 along with the estate tax, but it is scheduled to return in 2011. Unless Congress acts in the meantime, the 2011 GST tax exemption amount will be $1 million and the tax rate will be 55 percent.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
What Is Estate Planning?
The definition of Estate Planning is easy: it is a plan for your estate. Your estate is what you own; it is your stuff.
If you become mentally incapacitated, perhaps by accident or illness, you can no longer manage your stuff. You can't buy or sell what you need, pay you bills, or file your taxes. Someone will have to do this for you. If you plan for this with Powers of Attoney or Trusts, you get to choose who helps you manage your stuff. If you don't, a judge will choose someone for you after an expensive court proceeding. You may not agree with the judges choice and it may be a stranger who is charging you hourly.
When you pass away, the ownership of you stuff must pass to someone else (sorry). If you plan in advance for this, you get to choose who gets what, when they get it and how they get it. You even get to avoid taxes that will be due if no planning is done. You can do this by getting a Will or Revocable Living Trust. You can also control who gets what with beneficiary designations such as with life insurance and retirement accounts. Bank accounts can be designated Payable on Death (POD) to your beneficiary. You can also own an asset jointly with someone else so that they become the sole owner if you die. If you do not plan in advance, the law sets forth who gets what.
A typical Estate Plan may have a Will, Trust, Financial Power of Attorney, Healthcare Power of Attorney and a Living Will. This planning is really not so much for you but for your loved ones. If you have an Estate Plan, check to see if it needs an update. If you don't have a plan, get one. Your loved one's will thank you someday.
If you become mentally incapacitated, perhaps by accident or illness, you can no longer manage your stuff. You can't buy or sell what you need, pay you bills, or file your taxes. Someone will have to do this for you. If you plan for this with Powers of Attoney or Trusts, you get to choose who helps you manage your stuff. If you don't, a judge will choose someone for you after an expensive court proceeding. You may not agree with the judges choice and it may be a stranger who is charging you hourly.
When you pass away, the ownership of you stuff must pass to someone else (sorry). If you plan in advance for this, you get to choose who gets what, when they get it and how they get it. You even get to avoid taxes that will be due if no planning is done. You can do this by getting a Will or Revocable Living Trust. You can also control who gets what with beneficiary designations such as with life insurance and retirement accounts. Bank accounts can be designated Payable on Death (POD) to your beneficiary. You can also own an asset jointly with someone else so that they become the sole owner if you die. If you do not plan in advance, the law sets forth who gets what.
A typical Estate Plan may have a Will, Trust, Financial Power of Attorney, Healthcare Power of Attorney and a Living Will. This planning is really not so much for you but for your loved ones. If you have an Estate Plan, check to see if it needs an update. If you don't have a plan, get one. Your loved one's will thank you someday.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Does Your Will Name an Alternate Beneficiary?
Does Your Will Name an Alternate Beneficiary?
What will happen to your estate if your primary beneficiary does not survive you? If your will does not name an alternate beneficiary, your estate will be divided according to state law. The way the state divides your estate may not agree with your wishes. Your money may go to someone you don't like or to someone who is unable to handle it.
For example, suppose your will divides your estate among your spouse and three children. If one child dies before you, do you want his or her portion of your estate to go to your grandchildren? To your other children? To your spouse? Or perhaps to a charitable organization or institution? Another issue to consider is whether the person who would inherit under the law is too young or has special needs. In that case, you may need a trust to protect the assets.
Double check your will to make sure it names an alternate beneficiary. And if you don't already have a will, being able to name an alternate beneficiary is an important reason to create one.
Naming an alternate is a good idea for other provisions in your will as well. If you have young children, you should also consider naming an alternate guardian for your children in the event your first choice is unable to fulfill his or her obligation. In addition, you may want to appoint an alternate executor in case the first one cannot serve.
What will happen to your estate if your primary beneficiary does not survive you? If your will does not name an alternate beneficiary, your estate will be divided according to state law. The way the state divides your estate may not agree with your wishes. Your money may go to someone you don't like or to someone who is unable to handle it.
For example, suppose your will divides your estate among your spouse and three children. If one child dies before you, do you want his or her portion of your estate to go to your grandchildren? To your other children? To your spouse? Or perhaps to a charitable organization or institution? Another issue to consider is whether the person who would inherit under the law is too young or has special needs. In that case, you may need a trust to protect the assets.
Double check your will to make sure it names an alternate beneficiary. And if you don't already have a will, being able to name an alternate beneficiary is an important reason to create one.
Naming an alternate is a good idea for other provisions in your will as well. If you have young children, you should also consider naming an alternate guardian for your children in the event your first choice is unable to fulfill his or her obligation. In addition, you may want to appoint an alternate executor in case the first one cannot serve.
Monday, August 10, 2009
How do I remain independent in my home without being a burden on my loved ones or having to get assistance?
For reasons ranging from acute illness to long-term health conditions, more than 7.6 million Americans receive in-home care, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. But that number is far greater if you include care given by family members. Informal care is given to an adult family member in 1 in 5 American households, according to the 2004 survey Caregiving in the U.S. The typical caregiver is a 46-year-old woman, who spends about 20 hours a week taking care of her mother, according to the survey, which was paid for by the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP.
Failing to Plan
Long-term care is not high on the list for most people. It is difficult to imagine you or a loved one aging to the point where intervention is required. In fact, many people do not give it consideration until it happens.
But…I have a will.
Ironically, a will is not enough protection. Long-term planning is referred to as estate planning and it will not only protect you and your loved ones, but it will guide the process for situations that you may not want, or expect.
While in our profession it is difficult to understand why more people do not take the time to learn about estate planning and the benefits of it, is saddens us to see the crisis situations that could be avoided.
I do not want to ever be put in one of those “homes”
Today in the United States there are over 16,000 nursing homes. Nursing homes, also known as skilled nursing facilities, are for seniors who require constant medical care and need significant assistance with the activities of daily living. The goal of care in a nursing home is to help individuals meet their daily physical, medical, social, and psychological needs. Nursing homes are generally stand alone facilities, but some are operated within a hospital or an assisted living community.
Residents of nursing homes generally have high care needs and complex medical conditions that require routine skilled nursing services. Due to the constant care needs of its residents, nursing homes are required by federal law to have a licensed nurse on duty 24 hours a day. Residents typically share a room and are served meals in a central dining area. Residents should have the opportunity to be involved in activities that provide mental, physical, and social stimulation. Be sure to ask about activities offered when you tour the facility.
The average cost of care for nursing home care ranges on average $8000 per month. Cost is determined by the level of care needed, the setting where the care is provided, and the geographic location. Due to the high cost of care, many residents use supplemental funding from the government in the form of Medicare and/or Medicaid.
Failing to Plan
Long-term care is not high on the list for most people. It is difficult to imagine you or a loved one aging to the point where intervention is required. In fact, many people do not give it consideration until it happens.
But…I have a will.
Ironically, a will is not enough protection. Long-term planning is referred to as estate planning and it will not only protect you and your loved ones, but it will guide the process for situations that you may not want, or expect.
While in our profession it is difficult to understand why more people do not take the time to learn about estate planning and the benefits of it, is saddens us to see the crisis situations that could be avoided.
I do not want to ever be put in one of those “homes”
Today in the United States there are over 16,000 nursing homes. Nursing homes, also known as skilled nursing facilities, are for seniors who require constant medical care and need significant assistance with the activities of daily living. The goal of care in a nursing home is to help individuals meet their daily physical, medical, social, and psychological needs. Nursing homes are generally stand alone facilities, but some are operated within a hospital or an assisted living community.
Residents of nursing homes generally have high care needs and complex medical conditions that require routine skilled nursing services. Due to the constant care needs of its residents, nursing homes are required by federal law to have a licensed nurse on duty 24 hours a day. Residents typically share a room and are served meals in a central dining area. Residents should have the opportunity to be involved in activities that provide mental, physical, and social stimulation. Be sure to ask about activities offered when you tour the facility.
The average cost of care for nursing home care ranges on average $8000 per month. Cost is determined by the level of care needed, the setting where the care is provided, and the geographic location. Due to the high cost of care, many residents use supplemental funding from the government in the form of Medicare and/or Medicaid.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
10 Good Reasons to have an Estate Plan
No matter your net worth, it's important to have a basic estate plan in place.
An estate plan ensures that your family and financial goals are met after you die. It is a process. It involves people—your family, other individuals and, in some cases, charitable organizations of your choice. It also involves your assets (your property) and the various forms of ownership and title that those assets may take. Overall, it addresses your future needs in case you ever become unable to care for yourself. It is not only for the elderly – even young people are faced with unfortunate circumstances: health related, automobile accidents and so forth.
An estate plan has several elements and considerations.
1)A General Power of attorney or Living Trust can determine:
a)How and by whom your assets will be managed for your benefit during your lifetime if you ever become unable to manage them yourself.
b)When and under what circumstances it makes sense to distribute your assets during your lifetime.
2)A Will or Living Trust can determine:
a)How and to whom your assets will be distributed after your death.
3)A Living Will or Health Care Power of Attorney can determine how and by whom your personal care will be managed and how health care decisions will be made during your lifetime if you become unable to care for yourself.
4)For some, the establishment of a Trust may also be suitable.
What is involved in estate planning?
Taking inventory of your assets is a good place to start.
Your assets include your investments, retirement savings, insurance policies, and real estate or business interests. A good place to start is to ask yourself the following questions:
1)What are my assets and what is their approximate value?
2)Whom do I want to receive those assets—and when?
3)Who should manage those assets if I cannot—either during my lifetime or after my death?
4)Who should be responsible for taking care of my minor children if I become unable to care for them myself?
5)Who should make decisions on my behalf concerning my care and welfare if I become unable to care for myself?
6)What do I want done with my remains after I die and where would I want them buried, scattered or otherwise laid to rest?
Once you have some answers to these questions, our office can help you create an estate plan, and advise you on such issues as taxes, title to assets and the management of your estate.
Everybody needs a will.
A will tells the world exactly where you want your assets distributed when you die. It's also the best place to name guardians for your children. Dying without a will - also known as dying "intestate" - can be costly to your heirs and leaves you no say over who gets your assets. Even if you have a trust, you still need a will to take care of any holdings outside of that trust when you die.
Trusts are not only for wealthy people.
Trusts are legal mechanisms that let you put conditions on how and when your assets will be distributed upon your death. They also allow you to reduce your estate and gift taxes and to distribute assets to your heirs with less cost, delay and publicity. Some also offer greater protection of your assets from creditors and lawsuits.
Don’t I only have to discuss my estate plans with my family (heirs) to prevent disputes or confusion?
That would be nice, but upon death emotions rise and there are often hard feelings among those you loved. Inheritance can be a loaded issue and at times full of mixed emotions and even greed. By being clear about your intentions with your loved ones, you may help dispel potential conflicts after you're gone, however, there may be issues you do not wish to speak of. Discussing your true wishes in confidence with your attorney can help provide you with peace of mind.
The federal estate tax exemption
The amount you may leave to heirs free of federal tax - has hit $3.5 million in 2009.
The estate tax is scheduled to phase out completely by 2010, but only for a year. Unless Congress passes new laws between now and then, the tax will be reinstated in 2011 and you will only be allowed to leave your heirs $1 million tax-free at that time.
You may leave an unlimited amount of money to your spouse tax-free, but this isn't always the best tactic.
By leaving all your assets to your spouse, you don't use your estate tax exemption and instead increase your surviving spouse's taxable estate. That means your children are likely to pay more in estate taxes if your spouse leaves them the money when he or she dies. Plus, it defers the tough decisions about the distribution of your assets until your spouse's death.
There are two easy ways to give gifts tax-free and reduce your estate.
You may give up to $13,000 a year to an individual (or $26,000 if you're married and giving the gift with your spouse). You may also pay an unlimited amount of medical and education bills for someone if you pay the expenses directly to the institutions where they were incurred.
There are ways to give charitable gifts that keep on giving.
If you donate to a charitable gift fund or community foundation, your investment grows tax-free and you can select the charities to which contributions are given both before and after you die.
An estate plan ensures that your family and financial goals are met after you die. It is a process. It involves people—your family, other individuals and, in some cases, charitable organizations of your choice. It also involves your assets (your property) and the various forms of ownership and title that those assets may take. Overall, it addresses your future needs in case you ever become unable to care for yourself. It is not only for the elderly – even young people are faced with unfortunate circumstances: health related, automobile accidents and so forth.
An estate plan has several elements and considerations.
1)A General Power of attorney or Living Trust can determine:
a)How and by whom your assets will be managed for your benefit during your lifetime if you ever become unable to manage them yourself.
b)When and under what circumstances it makes sense to distribute your assets during your lifetime.
2)A Will or Living Trust can determine:
a)How and to whom your assets will be distributed after your death.
3)A Living Will or Health Care Power of Attorney can determine how and by whom your personal care will be managed and how health care decisions will be made during your lifetime if you become unable to care for yourself.
4)For some, the establishment of a Trust may also be suitable.
What is involved in estate planning?
Taking inventory of your assets is a good place to start.
Your assets include your investments, retirement savings, insurance policies, and real estate or business interests. A good place to start is to ask yourself the following questions:
1)What are my assets and what is their approximate value?
2)Whom do I want to receive those assets—and when?
3)Who should manage those assets if I cannot—either during my lifetime or after my death?
4)Who should be responsible for taking care of my minor children if I become unable to care for them myself?
5)Who should make decisions on my behalf concerning my care and welfare if I become unable to care for myself?
6)What do I want done with my remains after I die and where would I want them buried, scattered or otherwise laid to rest?
Once you have some answers to these questions, our office can help you create an estate plan, and advise you on such issues as taxes, title to assets and the management of your estate.
Everybody needs a will.
A will tells the world exactly where you want your assets distributed when you die. It's also the best place to name guardians for your children. Dying without a will - also known as dying "intestate" - can be costly to your heirs and leaves you no say over who gets your assets. Even if you have a trust, you still need a will to take care of any holdings outside of that trust when you die.
Trusts are not only for wealthy people.
Trusts are legal mechanisms that let you put conditions on how and when your assets will be distributed upon your death. They also allow you to reduce your estate and gift taxes and to distribute assets to your heirs with less cost, delay and publicity. Some also offer greater protection of your assets from creditors and lawsuits.
Don’t I only have to discuss my estate plans with my family (heirs) to prevent disputes or confusion?
That would be nice, but upon death emotions rise and there are often hard feelings among those you loved. Inheritance can be a loaded issue and at times full of mixed emotions and even greed. By being clear about your intentions with your loved ones, you may help dispel potential conflicts after you're gone, however, there may be issues you do not wish to speak of. Discussing your true wishes in confidence with your attorney can help provide you with peace of mind.
The federal estate tax exemption
The amount you may leave to heirs free of federal tax - has hit $3.5 million in 2009.
The estate tax is scheduled to phase out completely by 2010, but only for a year. Unless Congress passes new laws between now and then, the tax will be reinstated in 2011 and you will only be allowed to leave your heirs $1 million tax-free at that time.
You may leave an unlimited amount of money to your spouse tax-free, but this isn't always the best tactic.
By leaving all your assets to your spouse, you don't use your estate tax exemption and instead increase your surviving spouse's taxable estate. That means your children are likely to pay more in estate taxes if your spouse leaves them the money when he or she dies. Plus, it defers the tough decisions about the distribution of your assets until your spouse's death.
There are two easy ways to give gifts tax-free and reduce your estate.
You may give up to $13,000 a year to an individual (or $26,000 if you're married and giving the gift with your spouse). You may also pay an unlimited amount of medical and education bills for someone if you pay the expenses directly to the institutions where they were incurred.
There are ways to give charitable gifts that keep on giving.
If you donate to a charitable gift fund or community foundation, your investment grows tax-free and you can select the charities to which contributions are given both before and after you die.
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