Many family circumstances can increase the risk of probate litigation. High-risk factors that often bring about probate litigation can include sibling rivalry, second marriages without a prenuptial agreement, and dysfunctional family dynamics.

Most estate planning attorneys can help you craft an estate plan that minimizes or avoids probate altogether. To some extent, however, probate is often necessary. So, it’s important to understand how to navigate the process.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) took effect on Jan. 1, 2018, and impacted personal income taxes, estate tax rules, capital gains rules, and much more. The TCJA is scheduled to sunset at the end of 2025. This will lead to significant changes for taxpayers.

The SECURE Act changed how beneficiaries of inherited retirement accounts must withdraw these funds. Its passage made it more difficult for individuals to pass their retirement savings on to their heirs without tax liability.

Although in many situations the advantages outweigh the disadvantages when selecting beneficiaries, there are always exceptions.

If you are a property holder, you may use a Lady Bird Deed to transfer real property to a specific beneficiary while retaining certain rights to the property.

Creating a spendthrift trust for your loved one can limit their spending and your protect wealth.

Many individuals are concerned when they hear the term “irrevocable” trust, as they equate the permanency of the term “irrevocable” with the idea that such a trust can never be changed.