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The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: Trust & Estate Planning Considerations
Gift Tax, Trusts & Estate Planning Attorney by Kira S. Masteller 818.907.3244 This week was supposed to be the week Republicans passed a tax bill. It’s unclear what exactly will happen in the immediate future, or
Estate Planning NOW: Preparing for a New Government
Gift Tax, Trusts & Estate Planning Attorney by Kira S. Masteller 818.907.3244 It’s impossible to predict what any future president will do, or what Congress will approve. But in light of comments president-elect Donald J.
Trusts, Estates, Exemptions and Taxes
Trusts & Estate Planning by Kira S. Masteller 818.907.3244 It may be hard to believe that in 2001, the estate and gift tax exemption, also known as the unified credit, was a mere $675K. In
Maximizing Annual Gifts
Trusts & Estate Planning Attorney by Kira S. Masteller 818.907.3244 Individuals with estates that are valued over the Federal estate tax exemption ($5,250,000 in 2013) should consider making annual gifts to their family now so
How Does the DOMA Ruling Affect Estate Planning?
Trusts & Estate Planning Attorney by Kira S. Masteller 818.907.3244 The United States Supreme Court’s ruling on Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) on June 26, declaring the definition of marriage as
Designated Beneficiary Assets: Consider Your Income, Capital Gains & Estate Taxes
Trusts & Estate Planning Attorney by Kira S. Masteller 818.907.3244 In the third segment of our series regarding Gift Tax & Estate Planning, we’ll examine assets that require designated beneficiaries, specifically: IRA accounts, retirement accounts, life
A Living Trust – One of Many Tools for Protecting Your Estate
Trusts & Estate Planning Attorney by Kira S. Masteller 818.907.3244 A living trust is not the only vehicle that individuals need to consider when completing an estate plan. There are several other types of trusts
Will Contests & Estate Disputes – Five Ways to Avoid a Family Feud
Trusts & Estate Planning by Kira S. Masteller 818.907.3244 Even in the most complacent of families, estate disputes can sometimes arise under the added strain of bereavement and emotional loss. When family members don’t get
Tax & Estate Planning – Small Win for Same Sex Couples?
Trusts & Estate Planning by Kira S. Masteller 818.907.3244 The Defense of Marriage Act, or DOMA, was enacted in 1996 to “define and protect the institution of marriage.” It defined marriage as a legal union
Charitable Trusts + Low Interest Rates = Tax Savings
Trusts & Estate Planning by Kira S. Masteller 818.907.3244 Some people don’t like to talk about death and because of that fear, distaste or superstition; they put off planning for the future. But think about