Lifetime gifts are a popular way to reduce estate and inheritance taxes. Here in 2023, 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 tax. To lower their taxable estate at death, an individual may consider giving gifts […]
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Blindsided: The Michael Oher Conservatorship Controversy Explained from Austin Estate Planning Attorney Liz Nielsen
Michael Oher has had a remarkable life so far. Born to a single mother struggling with addiction and growing up in and out of foster care, Oher went on to star as a University of Mississippi football player and was selected in the first round of the 2009 NFL draft. He played eight seasons in […]
Swedish Death Cleaning: Decluttering Necessity from Austin Estate Planning Attorney Liz Nielsen
How much stuff is too much? Most Americans would probably admit that they own too many things. From clothes to electronics to sports equipment to collectibles, the typical US house is stuffed to the brim with items of questionable utility. On occasion, we may commit to decluttering, only to get overwhelmed or distracted. Meanwhile, the stuff […]
The Difference Between a Trust and a Will by Nielsen Law’s Frances Chlebowski
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by legal lingo when it comes to creating an estate plan. There are many legal strategies involved in estate planning, including wills, revocable living trusts, irrevocable living trusts, testamentary trusts, special needs trusts, and more. But what even is a trust – and what is the difference between a trust […]