- Important Documents to Consider Before Your Child Goes to College
July 29, 2022
Your child’s transition to adulthood is an important time in life. If your child has reached age 18, particularly an adult child traveling to attend school or work, critical legal changes have occurred. At age 18, your child is an adult under New Jersey law, even if they are still living at home. Your adult ...
- How Do I Get a Guardianship
July 19, 2022
The purpose of this article is to discuss the general process for being appointed the guardian of a loved one or other family member. The process can be simple or complicated depending upon a multitude of factors. This article will discuss the general process; whereas future articles will explore issues that can arise which may ...
- Important Estate Related Proposals and Changes for 2022
June 29, 2022
This year has brought several interesting changes and important proposals that can affect many estate plans. We have held seminars covering two major issues: the IRS Proposed Regulations affecting qualified retirement plans and IRAs; and the Administration’s proposed changes to the Federal Estate and Gift Taxes. If you did not attend these seminars, you may access and watch ...
- The Annual Exclusion for Gift Taxes has Increased to $16,000 – What Issues Should I Consider?
March 2, 2022
In 2022, the annual exclusion for Federal Gift Taxes increased to $16,000 per person per year. Although there is near-universal acceptance of the importance of gifting, there are several issues you should consider before making any gifts. The manner in which gifts are made can have a major impact on your beneficiaries. This is particularly ...
- The Refunding Bond and Release
February 22, 2021
If you are beneficiary of an Estate, at some point you will be asked to sign a Refunding Bond and Release prior to receiving your bequest from an Estate. The logical question that will arise is what exactly you are being asked to sign. The purpose of this blog is discuss generally what a Refunding ...
- Do Not Forget the Importance of Gift Provisions in a Power of Attorney
September 11, 2020
Gift provisions in a power of attorney can limit both agents and guardians, and restrict their ability to make gifts if a need arises. For this reason, powers of attorney should be carefully drafted to include appropriate gifting authority. A recent New Jersey Appellate Division case underscores the importance of including gift authority in a ...
- Don’t Forget New Jersey Taxation of IRAs, 401(k)s and 403(b)s
June 4, 2020
The federal tax treatment of IRAs, ROTH IRAs, 401(k)s, and 403(b)s has been the subject of countless books, articles, seminars, and commentary. But, there is precious little regarding the New Jersey state income taxation of these accounts, which is often vastly different. Understanding New Jersey taxation rules is important, not only for distributions made to ...
- 2020 Required Minimum Distributions from Retirement Accounts Have Been Waived
April 29, 2020
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) contains significant changes to the 2020 required minimum distribution rules applicable to IRAs, 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and other similar Qualified Retirement Plans (collectively “QRPs”). The CARES Act waives required minimum distributions from IRAs and QRPs for calendar year 2020. This change can result in income tax savings ...
- The Executor Won’t Distribute an Estate – What Can I Do?
April 24, 2020
A common problem in many estates is the executor’s failure to promptly settle an estate or make distributions to the beneficiaries. Delays in settling an estate can have many causes, including inattention by an executor, failure to take action where required, and mismanagement. In some cases, the delays are a sign of more serious problems, ...
- Trust Protection for Gifts to Children and Grandchildren
April 14, 2020
Although there is near universal acceptance of the importance of gifting, the manner in which gifts are made can have a major impact for your beneficiaries. This is particularly true if the recipient is under 21 years of age, and it can be an acute issue if the recipient is a minor under the age ...
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