Tag Results
25 Tag Results
10 result(s) displayed (1 - 10):
January 07, 2010
Estate Tax
Federal estate tax is slated to be abolished in January 2010, but Senate Democrats are likely to pass a temporary measure early in the year to reinstate death tax and make it retroactive to January 1st.
At present, estate tax is assessed at the rate of 45-percent for inheritances valued above $3.5 million for individuals and $7 million for couples. Smaller estates are exempt from taxation. However, as the estate tax hangs in limbo, beneficiaries may soon find they will be charged a capital gains tax on inheritance property gifted through decedent's last will and testament.
Real Estate Investing article on "Estate Tax"
October 24, 2009
Trust
Trust refers to a vault which holds valuable assets, along with a person's Last Will and Testament. People use trusts to transfer inheritance assets upon their death. When a trust is used, inheritance assets do not have to pass through probate and generally are exempt from taxation.
Many people believe establishing a trust is complicated. While this can be true for exceptionally wealthy people, many types of trusts exist which are simple to establish. Some of the most common include living, revocable, irrevocable, testamentary, and irrevocable life insurance trusts.
Real Estate Investing article on "Trust "
July 27, 2009
What is Probate
"What is probate?" is a question I hear on a regular basis. In a nutshell, probate is the legal process used when a person dies. A series of events occur to tie up loose ends and distribute inheritance assets to heirs or beneficiaries. Everything decedents own must be accounted for and outstanding bills and taxes paid before assets can be distributed.
Let's further probe the question of "what is probate?" Probating estates is required within all 50 states of the Union. Probate is governed by state law, but the process can be different within each county of the state. This non-uniform standard can create confusion; particularly, if the estate administrator resides in another state or county and is not familiar with probate laws.
Real Estate Investing article on "What is Probate"
July 03, 2009
Last Will and Testament
Executing a Last Will and Testament is a relatively simple and inexpensive process. A Will is used to bequeath inheritance to beneficiaries. There are many ways to draft a Will, but the most common is to utilize the services of a professional estate planner. Doing so can protect the Will from being contested in probate court.
The Last Will and Testament involves several elements. First, a probate executor is designated to handle estate-related affairs. Estate administrators are responsible for a variety of duties, so it is best to discuss this position with the person before naming them in the Will.
Real Estate Investing article on "Last Will and Testament"
June 01, 2009
Life Insurance Trust
A life insurance trust is used to protect insurance proceeds from estate taxation. Beneficiaries are designated within the policy and distribution schedules are established. The life insurance policy is placed inside the trust and managed by a Trustee.
A life insurance trust consists of a Trustor, Trustee and beneficiaries. The Trustor is the person who establishes the trust. The Trustee is the person who manages the trust. This person is designated through the policyholder's Will.
Real Estate Investing article on "Life Insurance Trust"
May 24, 2009
Probated
The term, probated, refers to estates held in probate. This process is used to determine the value of assets owned by a person who has died and validate their last Will. An estate administrator is designated within the Will and is responsible for overseeing the estate and handling numerous duties.
Strategies exist to prevent estates from being probated. These measures must be taken prior to death. Most are quite simple and can be accomplished without the assistance of an estate planner. Others require the execution of legal documents and require the services of a probate attorney.
Real Estate Investing article on "Probated"
May 18, 2009
California Probate Attorney
A California probate attorney is generally required to handle estates of residents who have died. Probate is the legal process used to establish a value of the decedent's estate. It is also used to validate the decedent's Will or appoint an estate administrator if the decedent died intestate (without a Will).
Individuals can hire a California probate attorney to help establish estate planning or to assist them in settling an estate entered into probate. Many people procrastinate about estate planning; particularly when they are young and in good health. However, this is a huge mistake that could cause their family tremendous hardship.
Real Estate Investing article on "California Probate Attorney"
May 05, 2009
California Probate Lawyer
A California probate lawyer is an integral part of estate planning for residents of the Golden State. Probate is the legal process used to determine the value of estates and to properly distribute assets to heirs and beneficiaries. California probate code is complex; consisting of eleven divisions and hundreds of pages of legal jargon.
California probate lawyers specialize in helping individuals develop estate planning strategies. Some strategies can keep assets out of probate while others reduce or eliminate inheritance taxes. Probate attorneys can help individuals establish payable-on-death and transfer-on-death beneficiaries for investment and banking accounts, automobiles, motorcycles, boats, recreational vehicles, real estate holdings and businesses.
Real Estate Investing article on "California Probate Lawyer"
May 02, 2009
California Estate Planning
California estate planning allows residents to establish healthcare directives and retain control of assets in the event of their death. Estate planning outlines who will be in charge of administering the estate and which heirs will receive assets.
California estate planning is no different than establishing protocols in any other state. The only difference is California residents must adhere to established probate laws. Probate is regulated on a state-by-state basis. The primary difference between states is the amount which determines what constitutes a 'small estate.
Real Estate Investing article on "California Estate Planning"
April 30, 2009
Administrator
An Administrator must be appointed to oversee the estate of a person who has died. Designation can occur by naming the individual in a legal Will or trust. If no estate planning occurs prior to death, everything the decedent owns is transferred to probate. During this process, a judge will appoint an Administrator. This could be a relative, friend or outsider such as an attorney or professional estate planner.
The Administrator generally works with a probate attorney to ensure all documents are properly filed. When the decedent's estate is held in probate, the estate executor must present a copy of the death certificate to the court and legally record the death. Trusts do not pass through probate and follow a different protocol. Trusts are generally handled by the estate planning service that established the trust.
