Introduction to Self Directed IRAs

Self directed IRAs (SDIRA) have been around since the early 1970s. In spite of their history, they haven’t been all the rage until more recently thanks to media attention. The biggest press was on former Republican candidate Mitt Romney’s SDIRA. It shouldn’t be believed that only the most wealthy can… Read More

“I thought a trust avoided probate!”

This question usually gets asked by the family after a loved one has died and they are told they have to go through probate. How did this happen? Yes, one of the benefits of a revocable trust is avoiding probate. The explanation everyone has heard is because the assets are… Read More

Advantages vs. Disadvantages of a Revocable Trust

Advantages of a Revocable Living Trust Avoidance of probate. In particular, a revocable living trust can avoid expensive multiple probate proceedings when you own real estate in several different states, as well as the publication of the otherwise private financial details of your estate. Avoidance of conservatorship. A revocable trust can avoid… Read More

How Much Does the Government Take When you Die?

This question gets asked a lot. Sometimes it is asked if the Feds or Arizona tax you when you die? Sometimes it is asked if the State gets part of your estate when you die? Mostly it is thought of in terms of probate whether you have a Last Will… Read More

Trends in Living Trusts Part II

Another trend in Living Trusts, or better said, Estate Planning, are IRA Qualified Trusts. Very often a individual does not want to leave a large IRA to their children or other heirs. The concern is they will cash it in and pay the large tax bill that will surely come when the IRA is… Read More

If I have a Will does it means I will avoid Probate?

No, a Will by its very nature implies Probate. Probate is a procedure to administer the estate of a decedent. Even if you do not have a Will, your estate will be administered according to the laws of your home state. This procedure for estates that do not have a… Read More

Benefits of receiving inheritance in trust over outright distribution

Leaving an inheritance to a beneficiary outright makes the money subject to the person’s creditors, divorcing spouses and of course their own lack of maturity with the funds. By leaving the inheritance in trust, these concerns can be addressed. While the funds for this beneficiary are held in trust for… Read More