Estate planning

“The financial advisor is critical, as he or she has the job of opening the estate and trust accounts," Peter Lang wrote in a white paper. "This can only be done once the will has been probated, the executor has been appointed, and a Tax Identification Number has been issued by the IRS.”

The election results, while no surprise, have pretty much left us where we were in terms of tax policy, according to Roger Harris, president of Padgett Business Services.

As America grows older, advisors shift practices from accumulating wealth to generating income.

The president and CEO of Investor Protection Trust discusses issues facing seniors and the special problems for which advisors should watch, including protecting them against fraud.

10 tips to prevent the missteps that cannot always be repaired after the client's death.

As the case against Brooke Astor's son illustrated, even clients with reputable advisors can be vulnerable to predators.

The heirs of the two co-creators of the legendary comic book hero have been battling the powerful media conglomerates, Warner Bros. and DC Comics, for many years in a series of (seemingly) never-ending lawsuits. While most of your clients will never have to worry about something as valuable as Superman copyrights, it is very common for disputes to arise regarding an estate, trust or assets of someone who passed away. 

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.