Living Trusts
A trust is a legal entity that can own property, much like a corporation is a legal entity that can own property. The trustee named in the trust document manages the trust assets, and can sell trust assets, invest the assets, collect income, and pay bills. The beneficiaries of the trust receive income and principal of the trust at the times set forth in the trust document, according to the instructions given to the trustee in the trust document. The "settlor" or "trustor" is the person who creates the trust. In estate planning, two types of trusts are generally used, namely "living trusts" (sometimes called "inter vivos" trusts) and "testamentary trusts." Usually trusts for estate planning are "revocable," but some trusts, such as those designed to own life insurance, may be "irrevocable." More

Estate Taxes
Currently, estates under $2 million are not subject to estate taxes. Please see my Estate Tax Table for an overview of Federal estate and gift taxes.

Probate FAQs
What is it? How do you avoid it? How long does it take? What does it cost? Get answers to common questions.

Heirs-at-Law
If a person dies without a will, their estate is distributed to their heirs-at-law.

Advance Health Care Directives
You have the right to give instructions about your own health care. You also have the right to name someone else to make health care decisions for you. An Advance Health Care Directive lets you do either or both of these things. Learn More

Uniform Statutory Power of Attorney
A Power of Attorney allows you (the "principal") to grant property management powers to an agent or agents. A Power of Attorney may be "durable" which means that it is effective even if the principal becomes incapacitated. It may be effective immediately, or it may "spring" into effect only if the principal  becomes incapacitated. A Power of Attorney is no longer effective after the principal's death. Learn More

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