CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL LEGO DAY
Mark your calendars: January 28 is International LEGO day, which celebrates the date when the patent for the globally famous plastic brick system was filed. Since the 1940s, people have ...
I’M A SURVIVOR . . . AND NOW I HAVE MY OWN TRUST?
Many married couples share almost everything, including finances. This may be reflected in their estate plan by using one joint living trust instead of two separate trusts. Separate trusts can ...
WHAT IS THE LAST SURVIVING SPOUSE RULE?
Estate planning can be a significant part of successful financial management, especially for married couples. One key consideration is minimizing estate taxes, which can substantially affect the distribution of money ...
Should You Share Your Estate Planning Details With Loved Ones?
When you decide to create a comprehensive estate plan, there are many things to consider. One is whether to tell your loved ones about your plan and how much information ...
How Much Authority Does a Trustee Have Over the Stuff in My Trust?
A trustee is a person or entity responsible for managing and administering your trust according to your instructions and in accordance with Wisconsin law. They are considered a fiduciary (meaning ...
The Revocable Living Trust
There are many benefits to a revocable living trust that are not available in a will. An individual can choose to have one or both, and an attorney can best ...
Can Artificial Intelligence Programs Write Basic Estate Planning Documents?
With the increased coverage of artificial intelligence (AI) and all of the applications it can have in our everyday lives, some people may wonder whether an AI program can create ...
Estate Plan Lessons from DeMuth v. Commissioner
Lifetime gifts are a popular way to reduce estate and inheritance taxes. Currently, only estates worth $12.92 million or more are subject to the federal estate tax. To lower their ...
The Life and Legacy of Jimmy Buffett
Jimmy Buffett died on September 1, 2023, at age 76 after a diagnosis of Merkel cell carcinoma (skin cancer) four years earlier. He was a renowned singer-songwriter, film producer, businessman, ...
What Happens to My Leased Car If I Die Before the Lease Term Ends?
After a house, a car is often the second-most valuable piece of property a person owns. About 15–20 percent of new vehicles are leased rather than purchased and financed. Leasing ...