Insight on Estate Planning - Year End 2016

Related Practice: Estate Planning & Administration

Here's a brief glance at what you'll find in the year-end issue...

6 estate planning techniques for blended families

A "blended family" is more than just a staple of TV sitcoms. Today, it's not unusual for a household to include children and even grandchildren from prior marriages, as well as adopted family members or same-sex couples. These various family arrangements can create estate planning complications that could lead to challenges in the courts. This article examines six techniques that can reduce the chances of family squabbles and preserve wealth for heirs. A sidebar notes the importance of updating plan and policy beneficiaries, since beneficiary designations generally trump conflicting provisions of a will. Read more...

If it's broken, fix it! Trusts that no longer achieve their objective can be repaired 

What with changing life circumstances and new tax laws, not to mention potential mistakes made when an estate plan was first drafted, the trusts used in the plan may now be "broken." This article details why trusts break and techniques to repair them. Read more...

Preparing for a new year: Take time now for a quick estate plan review

Year end is the time to make certain estate planning provisions to protect the interests of heirs and minimize potential estate tax liability. It's also a good time to conduct a quick review of your estate plan. This article explains what the review should cover. Read more...

Estate Planning Pitfall: You're donating high-basis stock to charity

As the end of the year approaches, many may begin thinking about making gifts to qualified charitable organizations as a way to reduce potential estate and income tax liability while supporting a worthy cause. This brief article explains the potential outcome of donating high-basis stock. Read more...

Saving for College: GET or 529

For some, year-end gift-giving includes contributing to a child's future college education. This article reviews several options are available to Washington residents. Read more...

Click here to read the full newsletter.

This post provides general information and is not legal or other professional advice. To discuss issues specific to your circumstances, contact one our Estate Planning attorneys.