We have all seen it. The media likes to pass along juicy stories of actors that either had no wills or their heirs are fighting tooth and nail over the inheritance. But how do we stop any infighting among our own beneficiaries when we pass? Most families get along great… Read More
Is My Children’s Inheritance Taxed?
The general answer is no. The IRS doesn’t allow much to go untaxed, but most inherited assets are the exception (in Arizona at least). It does not matter whether the beneficiary received real property, stock or cash. Nor whether he or she received the inheritance via a Will or a… Read More
What Happens If You Die Without a Will?
This was a column in a local paper that got me thinking that this is actually a very commonly asked question. First, it doesn’t all go the State. It may but this is very unlikely. Basically, the State of Arizona has written a Will for you if you fail to… 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