Attention Academy Attorneys: TAX LAW WEBSITE POSTING As we wait for the final word on how the estate tax laws will be changing, we created a Tax Law posting for all member websites under their Law Firm News section. If you would like to edit it, you can do so through the website control panel. The posting is titled “The Estate Tax Ball is About to Drop!” Be sure to send an eAlert referencing this posting and link to it on your Facebook page. Once a new law is passed, here is what will … [Read more...] about Preparing for a Tax Law Change
Archives for 2012
Time For Reflection and Celebration
We recently were reminded of the impact each of your firms have on your clients and community. Last week we attended our annual law firm holiday open house. It is a wonderful reminder of many things. Much of what we have focused on comes to life when we walk into the Armstrong, Fisch & Tutoli Law Firm and are greeted by our staff and clients. Although we are not there day to day, the faces of everyone confirmed that our “why” is alive and well. The most memorable are the client comments; the … [Read more...] about Time For Reflection and Celebration
Changes May Be Coming for Same-Sex Estate Planning
Up until now, planning for same-sex couples has been a minefield of different state and federal laws. A couple could be married under state law yet be considered legal strangers for federal purposes because of the Defense of Marriage Act. Not only does DOMA mean that a marriage in New York or Iowa need not be respected in Oklahoma or Utah, it also prohibits the federal government from extending the various benefits of marriage to same-sex married couples. These benefits include the right to file … [Read more...] about Changes May Be Coming for Same-Sex Estate Planning
Why Stories Will Help You Sell More Services
Once upon a time, there was a Law Firm that wanted to grow. It was a good Law Firm, following the rules and regulations set forth by the regulatory agencies, providing quality client service and hiring only the best and brightest talent. It was a relatively young firm, but it dreamed of being recognized as one of the very best. It fantasized about becoming the leading provider of estate planning services. It envisioned multiple offices throughout the country. More than anything else, it wanted … [Read more...] about Why Stories Will Help You Sell More Services
Communication is Key, Even When Relations are Strained
In a perfect world, aging parents would all get along with their adult children, and end-of-life matters would not place a strain on relationships. Unfortunately, the world is not perfect. As such, dealing with matters of estate planning and administration may not always be rosy. In some cases, it can be downright difficult, such as when a deceased person’s children feel the need to challenge that person’s estate plans. In a recent case, the daughters of a deceased woman successfully challenged … [Read more...] about Communication is Key, Even When Relations are Strained
12 Days Left!
As of this blog posting, there are 12 days left before the clock strikes midnight on December 31st and the law changes. It’s just like watching the ball drop in New York’s Times Square: 10…9…8…7…6…5…4…3…2…1… As of this writing, the law to which it will change will be the pre-EGTRRA/TRA law. In other words, we will have a $1 million applicable exclusion per person. Gone will be the days of the $5.12 million exclusion. Also, portability will be history. For many people, the New Year will not be … [Read more...] about 12 Days Left!
Family-Friendly Funeral Films to Start Holiday Conversations
Eventually every family has to arrange the party no one wants to plan – a funeral. With relatives gathering for the holiday, it’s an opportune time to start a face-to-face conversation about each person’s ideal send-off. However, it’s often awkward to start a funeral planning conversation. Hollywood to the rescue! It’s easy to watch a funny film and start a serious conversation based on what you see in the movie. Here is a list of funny, family-friendly films that bring a light touch to a dark … [Read more...] about Family-Friendly Funeral Films to Start Holiday Conversations
Password Protected: Tips for Keeping Your Identity (and Money) Safe
It seems that anywhere and everywhere, companies require personal identification codes in order to maintain access. Everything from your personal ATM pin to your email accounts require you to create, maintain and keep a code in order to ensure access. When creating passwords, you can help protect your identity and your personal information by avoiding the following: Birthdays as passwords: Birthday passwords are all too common, and if you are using one, all a thief needs is one glimpse at your … [Read more...] about Password Protected: Tips for Keeping Your Identity (and Money) Safe
In the Passing of a Loved One, Little Things May Matter Most
When a loved one passes away, families find themselves under tremendous physical and emotional stress as they grieve the loss, plan the funeral, and attempt to distribute the estate equitably. It is helpful when the deceased leaves a detailed and up-to-date trust, will, and other directions such as beneficiary designations on retirement plans and life insurance. However, in some cases, the most important items have little to no financial value. As estate planning attorneys who often deal with … [Read more...] about In the Passing of a Loved One, Little Things May Matter Most
Clients Need to “Lead the Doctor” on End-Stage Illness
Do your clients inform you when they have been diagnosed with an end-stage or terminal illness? Do you ask them to tell you? Even if you don’t, you might find this information useful for yourself and your loved ones. Suppose your client learns that he/she has advanced cancer that isn’t curable. A recent study finds that your client will likely make different decisions about care if their doctor has talked with them sooner versus later about their treatment options for end-of-life … [Read more...] about Clients Need to “Lead the Doctor” on End-Stage Illness
5 Strategies for Optimizing your Facebook Fan Page
We all know Facebook can be a great tool for engaging with customers and prospects, but did you know it can also help your search engine rankings? If optimized for search, your Facebook page can show up in organic search results, right alongside your website, blog, and YouTube channel. Here are some quick updates you can make to improve your Facebook page visibility: 1. Use keywords Search engines read your fan page in much the same way they read a regular website, so there are particular … [Read more...] about 5 Strategies for Optimizing your Facebook Fan Page
Obamacare: What Estate Planning Attorneys Need to Know
At the recent American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys Summit in San Diego, I spoke about tax law changes that may be relevant to people who practice estate planning law. Among other topics, I spoke about the Patent Protection and Affordable Care Act, also known as “Obamacare.” Now that Obamacare has been upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court and the President has been reelected, the law is sure to go into effect fully. Under the Affordable Care Act, there will be at least seven lesser or … [Read more...] about Obamacare: What Estate Planning Attorneys Need to Know
