What are the advantages of having a trust?
- David Greene
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First, one of the main advantages of having a trust is the avoidnace of probate. There are certainly other advantages as well. It can help insure passing of assets to children in the aftermath of a divorce, for instance when…
HAVE YOU MADE YOUR NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS?
- David Greene
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Well, Christmas is over and we have rung in the New Year. During this past week many people made New Year resolutions. Did you make any? Most of these deal with either working on a healthier and better body or…
New Year Thoughts
- David Greene
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As most of you know, the majority of my practice is dealing with IRS problems and Estate Planning. Today I want to pass along some thoughts about both of those areas. Even as the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, our problems…
If I have a Power of Attorney do I need a will?
- David Greene
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A Power of Attorney and a will are not related and one has no effect on the other. A Power of Attorney has legal validity only during a person’s lifetime and a will has legal validity only after a person…
What is a spouse’s rights to a deceased spouse’s estate if not named in the will?
- David Greene
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A spouse not named in the deceased spouse’s will is called an omitted spouse. In South Carolina our Probate Code provides for an omitted spouse. He is entitled to a spousal share of the estate by law. That share is…
Is a Trust only for the very rich – Part 2?
- David Greene
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I mentioned that the three primary reasons for forming a trust are (1) avoidance of probate, (2) asset protection from creditors and (3) the ability to control your assets and how they are used for a long time after your…
Is a Trust only for the very rich?
- David Greene
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Absolutely not! People create trusts for different reasons. The three primary ones are (1) avoidance of probate, (2) asset protection from creditors and (3) the ability to control your assets and how they are used for a long time after…
What are some of the most common Estate Planning errors that are made?
- David Greene
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There are many mistakes that are made in developing your Estate Plan, but here are some of the most important: (1) failing to name a contingent beneficiary on wills, insurance policies, etc., (2) not reviewing your beneficiary designations on a…
How do you transfer a piece of property after the probate estate of the owner is closed?
- David Greene
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The only way to transfer real property owned by a deceased person who died less than ten years ago is to go through probate and obtain a Deed of Distribution. If the deceased died more than ten years ago, a…
What type of documents should I be considering for my Estate Plan?
- David Greene
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When people typically think of estate planning, the first thing that comes to mind is how they can control their assets after death. When considering this, most individuals come in to see us wanting to create some type of will…