It’s not uncommon for family members to contest a loved one’s will or challenge other estate planning documents. But you can take steps now to minimize the likelihood of such challenges after your death and protect both your wishes and your legacy. Family disputes often arise not from legal flaws, but from confusion, surprise or […]

The gift tax annual exclusion allows you to transfer up to $19,000 (for 2026) per beneficiary gift-tax-free, without tapping your $15 million (for 2026) lifetime gift and estate tax exemption. You can double the exclusion amount if you elect to split the gifts with your spouse. Gift-splitting in a nutshell Gift-splitting allows married couples to […]

If you own a business or are self-employed and haven’t already set up a tax-advantaged retirement plan, consider establishing one before you file your 2025 tax return. If you choose a Simplified Employee Pension (SEP), you’ll be able make deductible 2025 contributions to it, saving you taxes. Not only is the SEP deadline favorable, but […]

A vacation home, rental property or future retirement residence may play an important role in your long-term plans. However, if you hold properties across multiple states, it can create estate planning issues that can be easily overlooked. If not addressed properly, these issues can have consequences for your heirs. Multiple properties can result in multiple […]