Can you disinherit your spouse?

YOU CAN’T EASILY DISINHERIT YOUR SPOUSE

Gabriel Katzner - April 10, 2020 - Wills

In the U.S., it’s somewhat easy to disinherit family members like siblings, children, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren if you’re inclined. But it’s not easy to disinherit your spouse. In most states and the District of Columbia, you can’t intentionally disinherit your spouse unless your spouse agrees to receive nothing from your estate via a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement. […]

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Leaving wealth to your children

LEAVING WEALTH TO YOUR CHILDREN: WHICH DISTRIBUTION METHOD IS BEST?

Gabriel Katzner - April 6, 2020 - Wills

If you are a parent, you love to help your children and leaving them an inheritance is a tangible way to show your love after you are gone. There are a variety of ways that you can do this, and you should choose the method that best takes your goals, including their wellbeing, into account. […]

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ethical will

ETHICAL WILLS – PASSING YOUR VALUES TO THE NEXT GENERATION

Gabriel Katzner - December 16, 2019 - Wills

Each person accumulates a wealth of knowledge and experience during a life well-lived. No matter how wealthy you may be, you have a great deal to share with your loved ones. An ethical will, sometimes also called a legacy letter, is a great way to pass on the wisdom that you have acquired. This can […]

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Refuse an Inheritance

WHAT IF I REFUSE AN INHERITANCE?

Gabriel Katzner - November 7, 2019 - Wills

An inheritance might seem like a positive event or a beneficial financial windfall, but there are several circumstances in which declining an inheritance might be a good idea. If you comply with certain requirements, the law does allow you to refuse an inheritance if you choose. This rejection is called a “disclaimer,” and is defined […]

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Will or trust contest

AVOID A WILL OR TRUST CONTEST: 4 TIPS

Gabriel Katzner - October 14, 2019 - Trust Administration

If your loved ones or family members decide to contest your will or trust after you’re gone, the results can be financially and emotionally disastrous for everyone involved. Your loved ones can be torn apart, your wishes disregarded, and your estate depleted, and you won’t be able to control the process at that point. But […]

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wills vs trusts

WILL VS. TRUST: WHICH SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?

Gabriel Katzner - July 24, 2019 - Wills

As you create your estate plan, you’ll need to address a host of questions, for example: If something happens to you, who should assume ownership of your home? Who should run your family business? Can your estate serve as a college fund for your grandkids? What charities should receive your support?  Before you delve into […]

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WILLS, TRUSTS & DYING INTESTATE: HOW THEY DIFFER

Gabriel Katzner - March 3, 2016 - Estate Planning

Most people understand that having some sort of an estate plan is, as Martha Stewart would say, a “good thing.” However, many of us don’t take the steps to get that estate plan in place because we don’t understand the nuances between wills and trusts – and dying without either. Here’s what will generally happen […]

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FLO JO’S TRAGIC MISTAKE: A MISSING WILL

Gabriel Katzner - February 8, 2016 - Wills

If you’ve created a last will and testament, congratulations! You have made your intentions clear to the world and have provided for your loved ones based on what you determined was best. One caveat, and Rule #1 when creating your will – make sure to tell someone where to find it! Olympic Gold Medalist’s Death […]

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WILLS VS. TRUSTS. TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR WEALTH DISTRIBUTION!

Gabriel Katzner - January 12, 2016 - Estate Planning

You work hard for your money and want to ensure that your wealth distribution goes according to your wishes upon death. Sadly, many people simply don’t understand the difference between wills and trusts and how they can affect inheritance. Don’t be one of them!  Take control of your wealth distribution by understanding what wills don’t […]

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ARE HANDWRITTEN INTENTIONS ENFORCEABLE

ARE HANDWRITTEN INTENTIONS ENFORCEABLE? PRINCESS DIANA THOUGHT SO

Gabriel Katzner - January 5, 2016 - Estate Planning

Princess Diana of Wales was one of the world’s most loved celebrities – and one of the richest.  Her tragic death in 1997 was world news. The majority of her estate, reportedly worth $40 million at the time of her death, was divided between Prince William and Prince Harry in her estate plan. However, she […]

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