Latest Blog Posts
Choosing a Guardian and Trustee for Minor Child
If you have overheard any discussion about estate planning, you have likely heard the words “guardian” or “trustee” tossed around in the conversation. When it comes to estate planning, who will be ultimately in charge of your minor child is an important decision that...
Estate Planning in 2018 things to consider
2017 is now fading into the rearview mirror. As we all look ahead to 2018, let’s consider a few things to watch regarding estate planning, especially with the reticently-passed Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
Estate Planning (Wills and Trusts) and Disability
A car accident, sudden illness, workplace injury or chronic medical condition can force you to re-evaluate the core assumptions you used to plan your future and set up your estate plan.
How often do you need to update your estate plan? As often as your Resumé?
A resume is a ‘snapshot’ of your experience, skill set, and education which provides prospective employers insight into who you are and how you will perform. Imagine not updating that resume for 5, 10, or even 15 years. Would it accurately reflect who you are? Would it do what you want it to do? Likely not. Estate plans are similar in that they need to be updated on a regular basis to reflect changes in your life – and to do what you want them to do.
The importance of funding your revocable living trust – the Michael Jackson Issue
While Jackson created a trust to care for his children and other family and friends, he never actually funded it. The result? Embarrassing and seemingly endless probate court battles between family members, the executors, and the IRS.
2016 update for Federal and Montana estate taxes, gift taxes, and generation-skipping transfer taxes
The Internal Revenue Service has released the official inflation adjustments that will affect 2016 federal reporting for estate taxes, gift taxes, generation-skipping transfer taxes, and estate and trust income taxes. Remember, that although Montana does have an state estate tax, its computation is broken. Thus in reality Montana does not have a state estate tax.
Here are five important things you need to know about the ABLE Act.
On December 19, 2014, President Obama signed the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act (ABLE Act) into law. The ABLE Act will allow certain individuals with disabilities to establish tax-free savings accounts that can be used to cover expenses not otherwise covered by government sponsored programs. After very disappointing Treasury Regulations, ABLE accounts do not serve as a viable alternative to Special Needs Trusts for most individuals.
2016 Estate Planning Update — Trust Wills and Tax
The Internal Revenue Service has released the official inflation adjustments that will affect 2016 federal reporting for estate taxes, gift taxes, generation-skipping transfer taxes, and estate and trust income taxes. These changes will affect the way your accountant and your attorney help you plan as 2015 comes to an end.
Lifetime QTIP Trust
Estate planning for couples in a second or later marriage who have disproportionate estates can be tricky. One solution for allowing the well-to-do spouse to maintain control of their assets but keep their other half happy is the Lifetime QTIP Trust.
Current Estate Planning Framework
state planning has truly evolved over the past 20 years. In fact, today’s estate planning is more complicated than ever before.
Bryan Law Firm, PC
11 East Main St., Suites B & D
Bozeman, MT 59715
Telephone: (406) 586-8565
Email: blf@bryanlawpc.com