Las Vegas Estate Planning Law Blog

Including lifetime gifting in estate planning strategies

On behalf of Cassady Law Offices, P.C. posted in Probate and Estate Administration on Sunday, September 27, 2020.

When there are a significant number of options to consider, choosing the path that best fits one's situation can seem a complex task. This sentiment may hold true in various scenarios in life, especially when it pertains to planning for the future. Individuals in Nevada who are in search of information on their options for protecting their wealth through estate planning may also find it helpful to consider the possibility of including lifetime gifting into their goals.

According to experts, there are several common lifetime gifting strategies to consider, each of which may function in its own way. One such option involves creating a grantor retained annuity trust, which can help protect assets that may prove difficult to value. One may also have the option of creating a defective grantor trust, which could help limit the costs of gift taxes.

Disclaimers in estate planning

On behalf of Cassady Law Offices, P.C. posted in Probate and Estate Administration on Monday, September 21, 2020.

There could be a variety of topics to consider when it comes to managing the affairs of an individual who has recently passed away. In some cases, beneficiaries in Nevada may wish to know more about their options during the process of property distribution. One such option could involve rejecting an inheritance by executing a disclaimer, and while there may be some scenarios in which this could seem a viable option, in some cases, a similar decision could also carry unforeseen consequences.

In estate planning, a person has the option of denying to accept an inheritance by executing a disclaimer. Such an option could be appealing in various scenarios, such as a situation in which family members wish to care for a loved one with a serious medical condition by allowing this person to receive a larger portion of the estate in question. However, this might not always be as simple as it seems, as there are certain scenarios in which assets denied through a disclaimer might not be passed to another beneficiary.

Addressing changes to tax laws in estate planning

On behalf of Cassady Law Offices, P.C. posted in Probate and Estate Administration on Monday, September 21, 2020.

Upon experiencing a change in life circumstances, many individuals in Nevada and elsewhere may feel it vital to address their new situation and make changes to their goals for the future. However, this might not be the only type of circumstance that may prompt a need to revisit estate planning goals. Individuals who wish to protect their interests may also find it helpful to be mindful of changes to the rules and regulations that govern certain aspects of the estate planning process and of their options when similar scenarios arise.

Experts indicate that there are changes to estate tax laws on the horizon and while these changes are not set to be put in motion until 2025, some feel this may occur sooner than expected. This reportedly pertains to the lifetime exemption, which would be cut in half in the process should these changes take effect. Even if such changes are still a few years out, experts indicate it may still be helpful to begin addressing all the available options as soon as possible.

Clear end-of-life instructions are invaluable to family members

On behalf of Cassady Law Offices, P.C. on Wednesday, September 16, 2020.

It is not always easy to know how to handle a certain situation. In particular, if a loved one ends up incapacitated or passes away, other family members may not know what to do. However, if you choose to create an estate plan, you could ensure that your loved ones know what you want to happen in the event of incapacitation or death.

When it comes to making important end-of-life plans, having legally binding documents is vital. Though you likely do want your loved ones to know your wishes ahead of time, it's not wise to simply verbalize those wishes. The person you told could forget, feel uncertain about them or possibly not be around at the time you need those instructions followed. Because of this, physical documentation can ensure that others know your wishes when needed.

Estate planning topics for those with foreign possessions

On behalf of Cassady Law Offices, P.C. posted in Probate and Estate Administration on Wednesday, September 16, 2020.

Many individuals in Nevada and elsewhere may accumulate a variety of assets as they navigate through life. In some cases, a person could even end up owning possessions in other countries, such as a yacht or a vacation home. Those who wish to include all their assets in their estate planning goals may benefit from gaining insight on their available options and some crucial factors to address.

Individuals who encounter similar scenarios may find that the first step to take could involve disclosing all assets during the initial stages of the process, including foreign possessions. Even if a possession resides outside the United States, it may still be relevant. Including such assets in initial discussions could help provide a person with insight on his or her options and information on any possible tax ramifications involved.

Avoid being mislead by common estate planning myths

On behalf of Cassady Law Offices, P.C. posted in Probate and Estate Administration on Monday, September 14, 2020.

There may be a variety of common misconceptions surrounding the process of planning for the future, many of which may prove misleading at best. Some common estate planning myths may leave a person feeling somewhat hesitant about entering the process or could cause one to avoid making modifications when life changes occur. Evaluating and debunking some of the common misconceptions of estate planning could help many individuals in Nevada better prepare to make informed choices about their futures.

According to experts, one of the most common myths pertains to the idea that the primary function of estate planning is to limit tax ramifications. While there may be certain options to help with similar concerns, estate planning also offers various other potential benefits, such as providing more control over asset distribution or creating plans to care and provide for loved ones after death. Another common misconception is that creating a will or trust is all that is necessary, while there may be other options that could help protect one's interests and provide peace of mind.

Seeking advice on what estate planning has to offer

On behalf of Cassady Law Offices, P.C. posted in Probate and Estate Administration on Sunday, September 6, 2020.

While planning for certain life events can seem a daunting task, choosing to forgo the process might not always prove favorable. Having a strategy for certain scenarios could prove vital in various ways and may even help limit stress and confusion in certain situations. Individuals in Nevada who have yet to explore their available options may find themselves better prepared to plan for the future after seeking advice on some of the possible benefits of estate planning.

One possible benefit of creating an estate plan could involve the possibility of limiting tax repercussions for heirs. There are a variety of estate planning options that could help minimize the impact of taxes on certain assets. Some estate planning options could even help protect beneficiaries by allowing some assets to bypass the process of probate.

Estate planning topics for those in retirement

On behalf of Cassady Law Offices, P.C. posted in Probate and Estate Administration on Sunday, September 6, 2020.

Individuals in Nevada and elsewhere who enter retirement may encounter a variety of topics to address as they approach a new stage in life. Those facing a similar scenario who have yet to enter the estate planning process or who remain uncertain if they have taken advantage of all their options may wish to know some of the basic topics to cover while planning for life ahead. While there may be a variety of options available, experts indicate that it may be vital to cover certain topics.

According to experts, one of the first estate planning options to consider involves creating a will. This document can cover various topics, such as the distribution of property upon death and guardianship for minor children. Another option to consider involves choosing someone to act on one's behalf financially should a person become incapable of making such decisions by implementing a power of attorney.

Important tips for getting started on estate planning

On behalf of Cassady Law Offices, P.C. on Thursday, September 3, 2020.

Estate planning can cover a wide variety of topics. Though asset distribution after death is certainly something typically at the top of most Nevada residents' lists, it is not the only matter to consider. In fact, you may want to create a plan that addresses your assets, your care in the event of incapacitation and much more.

Knowing where to start when it comes to creating this important plan is not always easy. You may feel a bit overwhelmed by all of the planning options available, but before you feel intimidated, remember that you can obtain help throughout this process in order to find the best options for your specific needs and wishes.

Trust options that could help protect one's assets

On behalf of Cassady Law Offices, P.C. posted in Trusts on Wednesday, September 2, 2020.

There are a variety of estate planning tools that could help individuals in Nevada and elsewhere from virtually any walk of life better prepare for to safeguard their futures. Those who wish to know more about the available options to help protect their assets could find it helpful to explore the possibility of setting up a trust. There are several types of trusts to choose from, each of which may offer its own set of potential benefits.

One option could involve creating an asset protection trust, which is designed to offer additional protection against creditors. With this option, ownership of the assets within the trust is transferred to another party. As asset protection trusts must be irrevocable, using caution with how the trust is set up prior to implementing it could prove imperative.