Articles

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The Testamentary Trust: The Best of Both Worlds

You have several different options when it comes to creating the right estate plan. Some people believe that a revocable living trust is the best way to go, while others think that a last will and testament (commonly known as a will) is best under ce… Read More
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Nine Common Errors That Make Online DIY Estate Planning Documents Unenforceable

Any time a new year begins, many people set a goal to finally get around to creating an estate plan. And too many try to do it themselves with online DIY estate planning documents. While sometimes that can work out okay, too often it causes more head… Read More
Categories: Estate Planning
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Can Artificial Intelligence Programs Write Basic Estate Planning Documents?

It’s a new year, and perhaps your goal is to get your estate planning in order. 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 prog… Read More
Categories: Estate Planning
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Is Your Trust Protected? Six Ways a Trust Protector Could Help

Trust protectors are commonly used in the United States. Essentially, a trust protector is someone who serves as an appointed authority over a trust that will be in effect for a long period of time. They ensure that trustees maintain the integrity of… Read More
Categories: Trusts
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Sharing Your Estate Planning Details With Loved Ones: Should You?

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 to share with them. Estate planning can be a complex and sensitive matter, so yo… Read More
Categories: Estate Planning
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How Much Authority Does a Trustee Have Over the Stuff in My Trust?

A trustee is a person or entity responsible for and with the authority for managing and administering your trust according to your instructions and in accordance with state law. They are considered a fiduciary (meaning they are held to a higher stand… Read More
Categories: Trusts
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Blindsided: The Michael Oher Conservatorship Controversy Explained

We are in the home stretch of the NFL season, and things are as exciting as ever. Aside from which team has a stellar rookie quarterback (Go, Texans!), or which team is on fire on the road (Go, Jags! (Keep in mind that McCreary Law Office started in… Read More
Categories: Guardianship
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Will the Corporate Transparency Act Apply to You?

Starting on January 1, 2024, under a new law called the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), owners of certain business entities must file a report with the federal government including details regarding the ownership of their entity. The CTA was enacte… Read More
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Estate Plan Lessons from DeMuth v. Commissioner: Lifetime Gifts and Taxes

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. Twelve states and the District of Columbia levy an additional estate or inheritance t… Read More
Categories: Estate Planning
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What Do I Do If I Want to Undo My Revoked Will?

When life circumstances change, you may alter the decisions you have made in your estate planning documents. You might choose to revoke your will at some point. But what if you have a change of heart and want to reinstate it? There are different ways… Read More