End of Life Act

End of Life Act

End of Life Act New options to end life marks the beginning of a new era in California. After a few decades of debate, “The End of Life Option Act” has been signed into law providing terminally ill patients with the option to die sooner with dignity. On October 05,...
International Estate Planning Basics

International Estate Planning Basics

Estate Tax Exclusion amount in 2009 available to a non US citizen who is a resident is $3,500,000. Estate Tax Exclusion amount in 2009 available to a nonresident noncitizen spouse limited to $60,000. Gift Tax Exclusion amount in 2009 available to a non US citizen who...
Planning for a Loved One with Special Needs

Planning for a Loved One with Special Needs

When planning for a loved one with special needs, here are a few points to consider. When I speak of a Special Needs Trust, I sometimes use the term ‘luxury trust’. My point in using this term is to highlight the fact that Special Needs Trusts are designed to provide...
Special Needs Planning: One Trust or Two

Special Needs Planning: One Trust or Two

The importance of a Special Needs Trust was reviewed in a previous article in this paper. In that previous article, we noted that the purpose of the Special Needs, or Luxury Trust, is to provide assistance to the special needs child beyond that which is provided by...