These days, in a rough economy, we hear a lot about adult children in their late 20s or early 30s moving back in with their parents as a result of unemployment or underemployment. However, what happens when older parents opt to move back in with their financially stable children? A weakened economy altered the family […]

Try it — it’s not only a little fun but it takes your offsite relationships to a new level. It’s adding a little WOW to your connections with people. First, you need a Google+ account. Second, you need an iPhone, iPad, Android (and the free app for one of them) or a webcam on your […]

For tax purposes, does a grantor trust use a different taxpayer identification number or the grantor’s social security number? It depends. This blog explains. Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M.Associate Director of EducationAmerican Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc.9444 Balboa Avenue, Suite 300San Diego, California 92123Phone: (800) 846-1555www.aaepa.com

Benjamin Franklin is well known as being one of the founding fathers of the United States. He was also an acclaimed author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, musician, inventor, satirist, civic activist, chess master, husband, father, statesman, and diplomat. He played a major role during the enlightenment period of our country, invented a number […]

Given the rapid aging of the population, attorneys who focus on estate planning and elder law are certainly in the right place at the right time. There should be no shortage of prospective clients for estate planning and elder law attorneys in the coming years. Baby boomers are reaching retirement age, with around 10,000 people […]

Attorneys in some jurisdictions have a preference for Wills as the primary estate planning vehicle. Other attorneys prefer Trusts as the primary vehicle. This posting is not designed to convince either set of attorneys. This sets forth the differences, so that newer estate planning attorneys can decide for themselves. When Wills are the primary estate […]

As the Doyenne of Death, I’m committed to introducing new developments in the funeral field to the public. Here are a few highlights of interesting new technologies introduced at the 2013 International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA) convention and expo. A Simple Thank YouThe idea of sending thank you notes after a funeral can […]

FREE Attorney Webinar: Wednesday, July 17th at 2pm PT / 5pm ET11 Core Strategies to Create a Purpose and Profit-Driven Practice**Attorneys on this Webinar will focus on the practice management and growth opportunities available to them. Following the Webinar we will send all participants a link to the recent training call conducted by the Academy’s […]

Same-sex married couples are not treated as such for federal purposes and cannot file a joint tax return because of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). However, the IRS has held that, in community property states, their income must be reported in accordance with state law. In other words, one-half of the income goes on […]

Does the Supreme Court’s decision in the DOMA case (U.S. v. Windsor) change how your LGBT clients are treated at a hospital? Yes and no, depending on their circumstances. But the upshot is: all LGBT clients still need health care directives (as does everyone else). Here are the highlights: In Windsor, by striking down Section […]