Basic Documents – Legal Services

Basic Documents

Basic Documents Basic Documents – Legal Services are the foundation of all Estate Planning.  With few exceptions, everyone over the age of 18 should implement these documents.  Such Basic Documents designate emergency medical and legal decision makers.  Implementing Basic Documents is a key element of “proactive law” – where solutions are put in place before…

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Spousal Lifetime Access Trust

Spousal Lifetime Access Trust

What is a Spousal Lifetime Access Trust (SLAT)? A Spousal Lifetime Access Trust or “SLAT” is an Irrevocable Trust that: Provides specific support for a spouse for life Is excluded from the taxable estates of both spouses If everything goes as planned, ultimately passes more than the exclusion amount to the children or other designated…

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Statements of Wishes

Statements of Wishes

STATEMENTS OF WISHES IDENTIFYING VALUES, CREATING INCENTIVES, ESTABLISHING POLICIES Statements of Wishes Statements of Wishes, or what is sometimes called a Letter of Wishes, have long been used in international trusts and off-shore planning.  Historically they derived from Testamentary Trusts. For decades, we have used them with inter vivos trusts or living trusts and irrevocable dynasty trusts.…

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Last Will and Testament – Advantages

POUR OVER WILL A Last Will and Testament (“Will“) is one of the basic legal emergency documents needed by everyone eighteen years of age or over. It is an essential part of any estate plan.  Having a Will is part of being an adult.  It is often the source of great intrigue and conflict of…

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