Estate planning can be complicated enough when all your assets and loved ones are located within one country. But for US residents with international connections, whether through property, citizenship, residency, business interests, or loved ones living abroad, it can become significantly more complex with international inheritance laws. Different countries have different rules about who inherits, […]
Tax Planning
Homestead Exemptions and Estate Planning from Austin Estate Planning Attorney Liz Nielsen
The term homestead may seem like a throwback to pioneer days, but homestead exemption laws are directly relevant to today’s estate planning and can play a valuable role in a modern plan. Almost every state has some form of homestead exemption law primarily focused on reducing property taxes and protecting home equity from creditors. While the […]
What Is the Last Surviving Spouse Rule? from Austin Estate Planning Attorney Liz Nielsen
Estate planning can be a significant part of successful financial management, especially for married couples. One key consideration is minimizing estate taxes, which can substantially affect the distribution of money and property to a married couple’s loved ones. Portability can make a significant difference when it comes to the taxation of an estate. What Are […]
Why Can’t We Have a Joint Trust If We Are Unmarried? from Austin Estate Planning Attorney Liz Nielsen
Joint trusts are beneficial for many married couples, especially if they have a stable relationship, do not have many creditors, and do not live in a state where their estate may be subject to a state death tax. Compared to separate trusts, they are easier to fund, allow the surviving spouse to have complete control […]