Neel Shah | Shah & Associates, P.C. Estate Planning & Elder Law Blog

November 19, 2013November 20, 2013

Circle of Life: Live Events That Affect Your Asset Protection

Asset protection planning does not happen all at once. Rather, an individual’s or family’s asset protection strategies should grow and evolve with them. A recent article discusses several life events that should prompt an individual or family to revisit their asset protection strategies.

A Run-In With The Law: As wealth advisory manager Heather J. Swob explains, “If you’re in a potential liability situation, the advisor should be kept aware. While there are look-back provisions that might keep you from moving assets, the advisor can still provide some valuable advice.” In addition to advice, it may not be too late to plan.
Engaging in a Business Transaction: Business owners and investors get sued. Whether it’s a Partnership dispute, a lender’s claim, an employee lawsuit or some other claim, it’s wise to protect your assets before the onset of such a liability.
A Struggle With Addiction: Although it may be embarrassing or difficult to discuss that you or a family member is struggling with addiction, it is important for your advisor to know what to look out for. According to Swob, “estate documents should be reviewed to keep assets out of the [addicted family member’s] control in the event of a sudden death.”
You Are Experiencing Dementia or Other Deterioration of Mental Condition: If you are experiencing the early stages of dementia or other mental illness, time is of the essence. Once your mental capacity is affected, you may no longer be able to sign off on important documents that you have been putting off, such as a financial power of attorney.

November 14, 2013November 20, 2013

Choosing Your Executor

One of the most important estate planning decisions a person can make is deciding who will serve as the executor of the estate. This is a vital decision, because the executor will be in charge of overseeing the distribution of the estate in accordance with the decedent’s stated wishes. A recent article discusses several frequently asked questions when it comes to selecting an executor.

Does My Executor Need a Financial or Legal Background?
State law does not require individuals to have any sort of specialized background in order to serve as the executor of an estate. However, these skill sets are clearly beneficial when settling an estate. Although the executor can hire an attorney to assist with the estate administration, it is the executor who must make all final decisions.

Should I Select More Than One Executor?
Most commonly, people select a single executor. However, in some situations, it may be beneficial to select two executors. For example, where the deceased left behind an elderly spouse who is being assisted by an adult child, it may be beneficial if he or she named the spouse and child as joint executors, rather than the spouse alone. Note that this may increase complexities in settling the estate.

Can My Named Executor Refuse to Serve?
The selection of an executor is not legally binding. Although the chosen executor will be given the opportunity to serve as such, he or she may renounce the appointment. If the decedent named a contingent executor, he or she will take over, if not, the court will appoint one.

November 13, 2013November 20, 2013

Long Term Care Planning: Understanding the Medicaid Look-Back Provision

For those engaged in the process of Long Term Care Planning, perhaps the most intimidating proposition is Medicaid’s look-back provision. This provision provides that certain assets that a person no longer owns will still count toward the calculation of his or her total assets to determine whether he or she qualifies for Medicaid coverage. A recent article discusses the look-back rules.

The Medicaid look-back period is the five years prior to that date upon which an individual applies for Medicaid benefits. All transfers made during this period are subject to scrutiny by Medicaid officials. For the purposes of calculating benefits, it is as though all gifts made during this period never occurred. For example, if an individual gave his or her child $20,000 the year before he or she applied for Medicaid coverage, the government would likely count that $20,000 towards the person’s assets to determine whether he or she qualifies for Medicaid.

Some individuals try to avoid the look-back provision by setting up a trust. Although Medicaid officials do not consider a trust to be a part of a person’s assets, assets moved into a trust are considered. Therefore, if assets are transferred to a trust during the five-year look-back period, Medicaid officials will take them into account.

Individuals often mistakenly believe that Medicaid has an annual gift-giving exclusion similar to that of the IRS. However, this is not true. Although the IRS allows taxpayers to give gifts up to a certain amount without invoking tax consequences, there is no parallel in the Medicaid determination.

November 12, 2013November 20, 2013

Before Kramer vs. Kramer: Protecting Assets Following Divorce

One of the greatest threats to an individual’s wealth is divorce. With the chance of a successful marriage hovering at or below 50% in the United States, it is important that individuals consider asset protection strategies before marriage. A recent article discusses how one man used a “Collapsing Bridge Trust” to protect his assets against a messy divorce.

The man, let’s call him Fred, who was worth $150 million and facing divorce, contacted his father’s attorney in an attempt to shield his assets from his soon to be ex-wife, let’s call her Wilma. The attorney quickly created a “Collapsing Bridge Trust,” which proved successful in protecting Fred’s assets from the divorce.

In order to do this, Fred’s attorney first created an offshore asset protection trust. These trusts are often set up in places such as the Cook Islands or Belize. Next, the advisor created a Domestic Limited Liability Company owned entirely by the new offshore trust. Fred’s attorney then moved half of Fred’s assets into the LLC, and named the man as the manager. Although this meant that Fred no longer owned the assets, Fred was able to oversee their management and investment.

If Wilma attempts to access the assets within the trust, the collapsing bridge provision would come into play. Essentially, the offshore trust would collapse the LLC, which would revert the assets in the LLC to the trust. In the trust, the assets would have been unreachable by Wilma.

As with any Asset Planning, timing is everything. Be careful to consult with your attorney to ensure that any such plans do not run afoul of Fraudulent Conveyance rules.

November 7, 2013November 20, 2013

Avoid These Common Estate Planning Mistakes

Estate planning is a field fraught with pitfalls. All too often, estate planning mistakes are discovered after the person who created the estate plan has passed on, so he or she cannot fix the problem or explain his or her intentions. A recent article discusses several estate planning mistakes to avoid.

Naming Special Needs Minors or Adults as Beneficiaries
This is often problematic because special needs individuals often receive benefits from the government. However, most of these benefits are needs based, and may cease if the individual receives a large inheritance. Therefore, gifts to special needs individuals must be structured in a way – such as a trust – that keeps them out of the immediate control of the individual.

Failing to Name a Contingent Beneficiary
Failing to name a contingent beneficiary becomes problematic when the primary beneficiary either predeceases the person who created the estate plan, or disclaims his or her share. In either situation, if a contingent beneficiary is not named, the share would pass in accordance with the intestacy statute under state law.

Naming Your Estate As The Beneficiary on a Retirement Plan
When an individual receives the proceeds of a retirement plan after the death of the plan owner, he or she can take advantage of special IRA “stretch out” provisions. Using these provisions, the beneficiary can structure the inherited IRA to receive distributions throughout his or her life. These provisions do not apply when the beneficiary on the plan is an estate.

November 6, 2013November 20, 2013

See Something, Say Something: It’s Okay to Report Elder Abuse

Too many of our nation’s senior citizens have suffered financial abuse from strangers, caregivers, and even their own family members. As a recent article explains, federal regulators at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau have told banks that they can report suspected financial elder abuse to the authorities without violating privacy laws.

The announcement was intended to assist with a crackdown on financial elder abuse, which has reached epidemic proportions. The Government Accountability Office has recently reported that in 2010, financial elder abuse had cost America’s senior citizens $2.9 billion.

As director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Richard Cordray explains that those who work at banks and credit unions “may be able to spot irregular transactions, abnormal account activity, or unusual behavior that signals financial abuse sooner than anyone else can.” Before the announcement, however, bank and credit union employees were afraid to report suspicious activity due to the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act.

Not only should the new guidance encourage bank and credit union tellers to report suspicious activity, but it will also make it easier for those investigating possible cases of financial elder abuse to access the suspicious accounts.

November 5, 2013December 2, 2013

Four of a Kind: Four Asset Protection Strategies

Those who have substantial assets are often the targets of lawsuits. It is therefore vital that high net worth individuals and families practice asset protection strategies. A recent article discusses several of these strategies:

Increase Your Liability Insurance: Liability insurance is often an individual’s first line of defense against litigation. Check with your insurance broker periodically to ensure that you have the correct amount and types of coverage.
Consider Separate Assets: Imagine that you receive a windfall inheritance. In many states, if you deposit the money in a separate account, it remains 100% yours. However, if you put the money in a joint account, half of it instantly belongs to your spouse. It is strongly recommended that you consult with your advisor as to state law, separating assets may also have the counter effect of destroying asset protection for marital assets.
Protect Yourself From Renters: If you own any rental property, it is vital to shield your personal assets against the claims of a disgruntled tenant. Consider creating an LLC or corporation to hold the rental property, with a trust to own the LLC or corporate interests.
Review all Joint Accounts: Money in a joint account may be at risk because it is subject to the risks associated with the other people on the account. Periodically review all joint accounts to ensure that it is still a wise decision. When reviewing these accounts, remember that divorce, a tax lien, or a lawsuit judgment may wipe out the entire account.

October 31, 2013October 31, 2013

When Considering Life Insurance

Life insurance is a simple concept. A person takes out a policy in order to provide funds to his or her loved ones upon his or her death. However, life insurance can get complicated by the various products that life insurance companies offer. A recent article attempts to assist insurance customers in understanding how to make good decisions concerning their life insurance.

The article first suggests that people consider life insurance as financial plan insurance. The term itself is rather misleading, considering that life insurance cannot bring you back once you have passed on. Rather, life insurance provides for the financial future of your loved ones.

Here is one rule of thumb: when purchasing life insurance, first calculate how much money you believe your family would need to live comfortably without you. Factor in any mortgage or car payments, college tuition for children, and supplemental income. When you have factored in all of these assets, consider how long your family will have these specific needs. Often, a level term policy that expires at the same time that your working career would be over is the best option.

Life insurance replaces your income, so consider how long of a working career you believe you will have. For example, if you plan on retiring at age 65, calculate your income until that date. After which, there is no anticipated income to protect.

October 30, 2013October 30, 2013

529 Plans Benefit Grandparents and Grandchildren

As a recent article explains, a majority of wealthier investors prefer to transfer money to their grandchildren through 529 college savings plans. In part, 529 college savings plans are popular because they allow the grandparents to reduce the value of their taxable estate, while also maintaining control of the funds removed from the estate.

A person can open a 529 College Savings Plan for each of his or her grandchildren. The grandparents can then transfer up to the current annual gift tax exemption amount to each account, tax-free. Not only will the 529 account grow tax-free, but any withdrawals made by the grandchildren will be tax-free, as well.

English: A grandfather teaching his little gra... — (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Importantly, the donors to the account are the ones who determine how the assets will be distributed. For example, if a grandparent unexpectedly has a stay in an emergency room and requires the money, he or she can take the assets back. If this happens, however, any investment gains would be taxed to the grandparents when the assets are withdrawn. This penalty tax, however, is only ten percent. Many donors attempt to “frontload” the 529 account so that they can make a lump sum gift of $65,000, tax free.

October 29, 2013October 29, 2013

Thanks Gramps! Planning Gifts to Grandchildren

Often, grandparents who have extra money wish to assist their grandchildren financially. A recent article discusses three ways through which grandparents can give to their grandchildren.

Grandparents with a child (Photo credit: Nestlé)

Write a Check

Many grandparents simply write checks to their grandchildren without thinking twice about it. Under current tax rules, a person can give as much as $14,000 per recipient per year, without tax consequences. If you would like to give an individual grandchild more than $14,000, consider using another vehicle to avoid tax consequences. Finally, remember that this type of gift is often calculated into a giver’s estate for the calculation of whether a person is eligible for means-tested government programs such as Medicaid.

Invest in a College Savings Plan

If you want to assist your children with paying for a college education, consider a 529 account rather than simply writing a check. With a 529, you can be certain that the money is spent exactly how you would like it to be spent. Additionally, 529 accounts offer important tax benefits that will not have any impact on your grandchild’s ability to apply for means-tested financial aid.

Use a Gift Trust

Finally, you can transfer money to your grandchild through a gift trust. A gift trust is an account that you set up where you or a named individual serves as the trustee. The trustee can direct the timing and use of any distributions made from the trust.

October 24, 2013October 24, 2013

What is an Irrevocable Funeral Trust?

One tool for those looking to spend down their assets in order to apply for Medicaid benefits is the Irrevocable Funeral Trust (“IFT”). Through an IFT, a person can set aside funds to pay for his or her funeral and burial expenses. Importantly, funds in an IFT are not considered to be part of a person’s estate for purposes of Medicaid qualification. A recent article discusses the basics of the IFT.

Importantly, an IFT should not be used by just anyone. High net-worth individuals who will not require Medicaid assistance, for example, would not use an IFT because they likely have sufficient funds or insurance policies that will cover medical expenses.

However, those who are worried about how to pay for their long-term care costs and do not have money earmarked for their funeral should consider an IFT. A person taking out an IFT will be required to pay completely in advance, and will not be permitted to take out an IFT for an amount that exceeds 125 percent of the average funeral cost.

Importantly, no medical underwriting is necessary for an IFT. Beyond the one-time payment to the insurance company, the insured party faces no expense from the trust.

October 23, 2013October 23, 2013

Dealing with Early-Stage Alzheimer’s

Currently, the sixth leading cause of death in the United States is Alzheimer’s disease. Between 2000 and 2010, the number of deaths caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased by 68 percent. By 2050, the number of Americans with Alzheimer’s disease is set to increase to 13.8 million. As a recent article explains, Alzheimer’s could quite possibly become an epidemic, if it is not one already.

If a loved one in your family begins to display the signs of Alzheimer’s disease, the first thing a family should do (beyond medical attention) is be sure that the family member has executed a will, durable financial power of attorney, and health care power of attorney. These documents allow the person to direct how his or her assets will be distributed upon his or her death, and also to direct who should make medical and financial decisions for him or her when he or she is no longer capable.

Importantly, a person diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s may still be able to sign these legal documents. When a loved one is suffering from short-term memory or vocabulary loss, but still has a grasp on reality, he or she can often show the necessary mental capacity to create legal documents. Although it is best if these documents are created prior to the early-stage dementia, if that is not possible, have a geriatric psychologist evaluate the person immediately prior to signing.

October 22, 2013October 22, 2013

Calling an Audible: Avoiding Taxes Caused by a Bypass Trust

Since estate-planning maneuvers can cause unintended consequences, it’s important to plan with flexibility. A recent article discusses how one man dealt with the unintended consequences of a bypass trust he inherited from his wife before it was too late.

Bypass trusts are a very common estate-planning tool used to pass wealth to several generations. Angie Stephenson, partner at ParenteBeard Wealth Management LLC, explains that “these [bypass] trusts were common years ago when the estate-tax exemption was much lower, so you see them in many wills.”

When this particular man’s wife passed away, he received a bypass trust worth $730,000. In creating the trust, his wife’s intentions were that the trust provide him with income for the remainder of his life, and then distribute the remaining assets to their children. The problem was that when the children receive the remaining assets, they would also receive a large bill for capital gains taxes.

Through planning, the man was able to work out a way to include the trust assets into his estate, thereby eliminating the capital gains tax liability for his children. In order to accomplish this transfer, the man was granted the power of appointment over all assets held by the trust. Importantly, this maneuver gave him control over the assets which would then be considered as part of his estate upon his death. Such a result illustrates the benefit of planning with flexibility.

October 17, 2013October 17, 2013

Back to the Basics: Estate Planning for a “Typical” Family

Contrary to popular belief, estate planning is still important for the vast majority of Americans who are not wealthy. After all, after a person has worked his or her entire life to amass all of his or her assets, he or she should seize the opportunity to direct what happens to the assets after his or her death. A recent article discusses five important estate planning maneuvers for the “typical” family (although we are pretty sure there is no such thing as a “typical” family).

Day 73: Kerns family self portrait {about me} — (Photo credit: lorenkerns)

Sign an Advance Health Care Directive: This document allows you to put your wishes in a document to be followed by your doctors, concerning the end-of-life medical care you’d like to receive.
Complete a Durable Power of Attorney, which will allow you to select the person who you would like to take control of your financial affairs, should you become unable to do so.
Execute a Last Will and Testament: This is an important document because it directs the distribution of your assets. Through your will, you designate the guardian for your minor children.
Complete and review your beneficiary designations: These are the designations on policies, such as life insurance, that pass straight to your intended heirs upon your death.
Be sure to consider the impact of property held via joint ownership. Such property is inherited immediately by the joint owner upon your death.

October 16, 2013October 16, 2013

‘Spending Down’ for Medicaid Coverage: A Cautionary Tale

Medicaid is a need-based public benefit program that assists citizens in paying for medical care. Therefore, a person can only receive benefits if he or she meets certain income criteria. In order to meet the criteria, many people attempt to spend down their assets. However, if not done properly, a ‘Medicaid spend-down’ could have disastrous consequences. A recent article tells the story of Eugene Shipman, who ran into trouble after attempting to spend down his assets to qualify for Medicaid.

Shipman and his wife, Arline, began the spend down process in April of 2008, so that Arline would qualify for Medicaid coverage for her anticipated and impending care needs. As part of this spend-down, Eugene disinherited her in his will executed in March of 2009. Following the drafting of the will, Arline’s son, David – who exercised her power of attorney – disclaimed any inheritance from Eugene on her behalf.

Then, in 2010, Eugene unexpectedly passed away. Arline’s attorney scrambled to file a petition to claim an elective share of Eugene’s estate on her behalf. When the trial court denied the petition, Medicaid got involved and asked the court to reconsider. Luckily, the appellate court revoked the disclaimer and granting Arline the elective share.

Had the court determined that the disclaimer should not be revoked, not only would she have lost her Medicaid eligibility, but she would have also missed out on half of Eugene’s estate. The story of Eugene and Arline should remind individuals that they must seek competent counsel and take caution when involved in a Medicaid spend down.

October 15, 2013October 15, 2013

Income Tax Planning While Planning Your Estate

Now that the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 has bumped the federal estate tax exemption up to $5.25 million, a recent article explains that many individuals are now turning their energy to estate planning maneuvers that will reduce their income tax bills.

Most income tax planning strategies are aimed at individuals who have a high net worth, yet do not anticipate their estate to be valued at or above $5.25 million upon their death. One popular strategy is making a loan to a family member or friend in a lower tax bracket at a low interest rate. The borrower can invest the money and take out the dividends, interest, and capital gains. Eventually the borrower will pay the loan back and the lender will have his or her money back so he or she can pay for retirement or medical expenses.

Like the maneuver described above, income tax planning often involves the shifting of assets in order to reduce the income tax liability on those assets. Incorporating a trust into the strategy may also fortify the plan to protect against creditors and State Estate taxes.

October 10, 2013October 9, 2013

Minding Mom & Pop’s Shop: Five Steps to the Succession of Your Family Business

Succession planning for a family business is often no easy task. Recently, an article in Forbes outlined the five necessary steps for a viable succession plan. The five steps include:

Planning for the general transition of the business: The article notes that only one third of family businesses successfully make this transition.
Creating a plan that aligns the family interests: This is important because the succession of a business must serve many family goals. Not only must it pass the business on to the next generation, but it must also provide a retirement income for the current owners.
Creating a buyout agreement that balances financial returns: Often it is difficult to value a family business. While the retiring owner may look to the balance sheets for the value, the real value of the business is often based on a model of earnings capitalization.
Creating a succession plan that quells any potential interfamily disputes: Often, interfamily disputes can spell the end of a family business. These disputes are most typical where the interests of all family members are not aligned. Pay particular attention when there is a divorce or death that leaves a non-involved family member stock.
Avoid potential estate and inheritance issues, such as tax and probate delays that may hold up the succession of the business.

October 9, 2013October 9, 2013

What Goes in the Bucket? (i.e. What Can I Use to Fund My Trust?)

Aside from an individual’s Last Will and Testament, a trust is probably the most popular estate planning tool. Trusts, which come in various forms, are often used as a vehicle for tax avoidance. Assets in certain Irrevocable Trusts often avoid taxation because, by putting them in such a trust, the owner relinquishes ownership of the assets to a trustee.

When considering whether an estate plan should incorporate a trust, it is important to consider what type of assets within the estate may be transferred to the trust. A recent article discusses certain types of trusts, and the assets that they hold. This is NOT an exhaustive list, but rather a ‘sampler’ of sorts.

Property and Land Trusts: These trusts can hold any sort of property or real estate, such as your residential home or an investment property.
Financial Asset Trust: This type of trust can hold a multitude of financial assets, such as stocks, bonds, and shares.
Life Insurance Trust: This type of trust holds a life insurance policy that is ‘written into trust.’ A life insurance policy that is ‘written into trust’ will be paid out to the trust, rather than an individual.

Many other assets, such as Business Interests (even S Corporations), Hotel Investments and Personal Property, can be written into appropriate trusts as well.

October 8, 2013October 8, 2013

Safeguard Your Wealth for Retirement

It is never too early to start planning for a long and comfortable retirement. A major part of retirement planning is safeguarding assets from the uncertainty that life often brings. A recent article shares some tips for protecting retirement savings from potential liabilities such as lawsuits, while also ensuring that there is money available to you when you need it. Here are some important takeaways:

Schedule Your Assets Based on Your Financial Timeline
People often protect their wealth by putting it in investments or policies that they will not be able to access for a number of years. While this is typically a great way to keep assets from creditors, it may become problematic if a person needs access to the money. Therefore, it is wise to schedule your investments and policies so that they become due at various, critical times in your life, such as when your children go to college or when you plan to retire.

Be Risky, Within Reason
Risky maneuvers, such as putting money into the stock market, can often pay off where financial planning is concerned. However, too much risk can lead to disaster as well. In order to safeguard the bulk of your retirement savings, you may consider secured-return investments such as a fixed indexed annuity. Place a much smaller portion into vulnerable investments and securities.

October 3, 2013

Planning With a Baby on Board

The birth or adoption of a new child is a frenzied and joyous time in the parents’ lives. Understandably, estate planning is often the last thing on the minds of expectant parents. However, as a recent article explains, certain parts of estate planning are essential for a growing family. Expectant parents should consider at least the following two questions, and plan accordingly before it is too late.

Who Would You Trust to Care For Your Children?

Should the unthinkable happen and neither you nor your partner are able to care for your children, it is important that you have a plan in place. If you do not designate a guardian for your children, or the guardian you have designated declines to serve, the court will select the person who will care for your children. This may or may not be the person that you would have chosen.

Do You Have Life Insurance?

Life insurance is an important part of the estate of many parents. Life insurance provides a guaranteed sum of money that can finance the care of your spouse and children. For extra protection, you can designate that if you and your spouse pass on before your children reach the age of majority, the money will be kept in trust and distributed only by a designated trustee. You can further designate that, should you die after your children reach the age of majority, they can simply receive the sum outright or in installments at various ages such as 21, 25, and 30. Yet another popular option is to allow the money to stay in trust forever to maximize asset protection, while ensuring financial needs are met.

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Author: Neel Shah