Estate planning

Whitney Houston’s mother, Cissy Houston, and sister-in-law, Marion Houston, filed a request in court to change the terms of Whitney Houston’s will. They want to delay when Bobbi Kristina receives her inheritance in order to protect her. The will created a “testamentary trust” for Bobbi Kristina. Andy and Danielle Mayoras explain what a testamentary trust is (and how you could use it with your clients.)

Advisors are helping gay and lesbian clients face the unique barriers to achieving their financial goals.

If Congress does not act and the current estate tax law expires, 14.7 million U.S. households could have a tax liability according to a report released by LIMRA, a worldwide association of insurance and financial services companies, on Tuesday.

Insurance is an important part of all your clients' financial plans. The current controversy surrounding Michael Jackson's estate and litigation serves as a stark reminder to your clients to be careful and make full disclosure so their heirs don't have to face a lawsuit over an insurance claim when they die.

As the baby boomer generation closes in on retirement, many are preparing to give a substantial portion of their wealth on charitable causes.

A bitter dispute between a father and two of his children underscores how vital it is to review estate plans annually.

Trust funds are typically plump with assets to manage. Now, RIAs may be able to keep those asset management fees, after trusts are funded, without having to disrupt back office operations.

Legacy expert attorneys Danielle and Andy Mayoras say the circumstances surrounding the late musician's estate serve as the latest reminder that having the proper estate planning instructions in place - and keeping them updated - is extremely important for every client.

In an uncertain market, many wealthy clients are fearful of giving away liquid assets to reduce the size of their estates. An alternative is to give a home to the next generation using a lease-back strategy.

Fighting over estates is never pretty. These court battles are emotional, draining, and sometimes downright nasty for everyone involved. When they happen to the estate of a beloved American icon, it's even more tragic.

A planner offers tools for coping with a paralyzing loss.

Some Americans are giving up their passports to save on taxes.

To help protect assets and reduce taxes, consider family limited partnerships and family limited liability companies.

End-of-life issues are never more relevant than when you're actually facing them. Whether it's a client or your own family member, proceed with care.

BlackRock Inc.’s Laurence D. Fink, who heads the world’s largest asset manager, said his firm needs to capture a larger share of the deposits that are going into U.S. equity exchange-traded funds.

Northern Trust has appointed 12-year company veteran Laura G. Mandel president of the Northern Trust Co. of Delaware.

Legacy expert attorneys Danielle and Andy Mayoras say the untimely death and shoddy estate planning efforts of renowned artist Thomas Kinkade serve as a prime example of why clients should update their wills on a regular – and sober – basis.

How creative thinking can help advisors with their own retirement strategies.

Mid-octogenarians could be getting a birthday gift from the IRS

Advisors significantly underestimate how many of their wealthy clients contribute regularly to charities and how much they give. This represents a missed opportunity for everyone.