Approximately three-fourths of Americans do not have a basic will.[1] Many of the same people also have children under the age of 18, which underscores a major misunderstanding about estate plans: They can accomplish much more than just handling financial assets (money, accounts, and property). One of the most important estate plan functions for parents […]
Trustee
Who Should Be Your Successor Trustee? From Austin Estate Planning Attorney Liz Nielsen
If you have a revocable living trust, you probably named yourself as the initial trustee so that you can continue to manage your financial affairs. However, someone else will eventually need to step in to administer your trust when you are no longer able to act due to incapacity (the inability to manage your affairs) […]
Does Your Revocable Living Trust Reduce Your Federal Estate Tax Bill? From Austin Estate Planning Attorney Liz Neilsen
Many believe that once they set up and fund a revocable living trust, property held in the trust will completely avoid federal estate taxes after they die. In reality, a Revocable Living Trust (RLT) does not exactly provide any unique estate tax avoidance strategies. The primary mechanisms for reducing estate taxes—the unlimited marital deduction and […]
The Estate of Richard Simmons: Sweatin’ the Small Stuff From Austin Estate Planning Attorney Liz Neilsen
Fitness icon Richard Simmons, known for his flamboyant personality, high energy, and trademark attire, passed away in July 2024 following a fall at his Los Angeles home. Because of a legal dispute case between his longtime housekeeper, Teresa Reveles Muro, and his brother, Leonard (Lenny) Simmons, the estate of the Sweatin’ to the Oldies star is […]