Beneficiaries of trusts have certain rights to the property being held in trust for their benefit. Because of this, suits between beneficiaries and trustees can involve a number of legal issues. One of these is the way the trustee is handling the trust assets. If the...
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Trusts
Obama administration proposals could affect important estate planning tools, P.2
In our previous post, we began looking at how current proposals to cut spending and increase revenue could affect important estate planning tools. Last time, we looked specifically at how grantor retained annuity trusts could be affected, and we began to speak about...
Obama administration proposals could affect important estate planning tools, P.1
The American Taxpayer Relief Act, passed not too long ago by Congress, was able to provide a measure of certainty for estate planners with respect to tax planning, but there is still uncertainty ahead because of political debates over government spending and revenue...
SC Supreme Court overturns estate settlement out of respect late singer’s wishes
Last Wednesday, the South Carolina Supreme Court overturned a settlement between..... splitting up the soul singer's estate. According to the court, a former attorney general failed to follow Brown's wishes when putting the settlement together back in 2009. Brown,...
Why having a bank serve as trustee may be necessary for some families
Battles over control of trusts and estate are not reserved to families where billion dollar fortunes are at stake. Even families with modest wealth can experience legal complications. Perhaps this is why the choice of whom to select as executor or trustee is a very...
Trust amendments are anything but DIY
Many positives have come about as a result of Americans' increased involvement in estate planning and the necessary preparation for what happens to their wealth, property, and business(es) after they have passed away. Trusts, an incredibly useful means of keeping...
Pet trust and other options available for pets in estate planning, P.2
In our last post, we spoke briefly about pet trusts, and how they can be excellent vehicles for ensuring a pet is cared for once its owner is gone. As we noted, pet trusts are probably the most reliable way to provide for a pet in estate planning, but they are not the...
Financial trusts: How to leave enough for your kids
Many Georgia families have an estate plan in place to provide guidance and support for current and future finances. Many also rely on trusts for specific estate planning goals. These goals can cover any number of things including protection of financial assets from...
Discretionary trusts can help family protect beneficiary’s inheritance
Our Alpharetta readers may be aware of the controversy surrounding the estate of Whitney Houston. One of the issues at stake in the case is $20 million left in trust to Houston's 19-year-old daughter, Bobbi Kristina Brown. Now, the singer's mother Cissy Houston and...
Things to consider in selecting a trustee to manage trust assets, P.2
In our previous post, we began discussing several factors to take into consideration when selecting a trustee to manage your trust assets. As we already mentioned, it is important to consider the size and complexity of the trust assets, as well as the ability of any...