Estate Planning

December 13, 2011

New York Estate Planning Attorney Discusses Beneficiary Designations

This weekend our New York estate planning attorney Bonnie Kraham had an article published in the Times Herald-Record where she explained the importance of beneficiary designations in New York estate plans. These designations are often less well-known than other aspects of an estate plan, such as trusts, wills, health-care proxies, and powers of attorney. The designation is a contractual document that directs where an asset will go upon your death. They are most often involved in IRAs, annuities, and insurance policies. Beneficiary decisions must be made in conjunction with other aspects of any estate plan to protect assets from outside costs and keep them in the bloodline.

For example, Attorney Kraham discussed beneficiary designations in the context of inheritance trusts. These trusts are increasingly popular and useful legal tools to protect a child’s inheritance from the child’s creditors or divorcing spouse. If you have an asset in a qualified plan, it is important for the contingent beneficiary designation to be that child’s inheritance trust, instead of the child as an individual. Essentially what this does is ensure that the benefit of the inheritance trust applies to the qualified asset. A spouse will typically be named the beneficiary with the child’s trust named as contingent beneficiary, ensuring that the funds remain in the bloodline and are protected from outsiders.

Similarly, when your New York estate plan involves use of a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT), it is vital that beneficiaries be considered closely. In particular, Attorney Kraham explains that it is helpful to name the MAPT as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy. Life insurance policy proceeds are never assets held in the name of the policy holder, and so when those proceeds are passed directly into the MAPT they do not count toward the “penalty period” that otherwise applies to asset transfers within five years of applying for Medicaid. As the article explained, we recently had a client in this exact situation. The man had a $500,000 life insurance policy on his wife with the couple’s MAPT named as the beneficiary. If the insurance proceeds were paid directly to the surviving spouse, those funds would have been unprotected from possible nursing home costs. In addition, the MAPT funds can still be used to pay for things like real estate taxes, home insurance, and home repairs. However, this option is only logical when the surviving spouse does not need the life insurance policy proceeds while alive for day-to-day living expenses.

December 9, 2011

Tax Litigation Continues to Rage Four Years After Death of Brooke Astor

by Ettinger Law Firm

New York estate planning mishaps and disputes often make headlines when they involve large sums of wealth and larger-than-life characters. Perhaps none has received more publicity recently than that surrounding the “grand dame of New York City society,” Brooke Astor. Ms. Astor died four years ago at the ripe age of one hundred and five. However, inheritance and tax issues continue to rage around her estate and they show no sign of nearing a resolution. As discussed in Forbes, seven new lawsuits were recently filed by her estate refuting IRS demands that she owe an additional $62 million in taxes.

It seems that one of the key issues is the overall size of her estate. Every New York estate planning lawyer knows that the total value of an estate is a fundamental factor in evaluating the overall tax burden. A smaller taxable estate means a smaller tax. In some cases, if an estate is below a certain threshold, then certain taxes need not be paid at all. That is why most tax litigation involves dispute between the government and the individual (or their estate) about the total value of taxable assets. In this case, the government claims that the value of Ms. Astor’s estate is $223 million, but representatives for Ms. Astor say the figure is around $93 million. Tens of millions of dollars in potential taxes hang in the balance depending on what sum the court ultimately decides is accurate. The tax bill could be anywhere from $35 million to $97 million. The disagreement between the parties centers mostly on charitable bequests (totaling $96 million) that the estate claims can be deducted but which the IRS disputes. In addition, the IRS claims that there was $20 million in lifetime gifts which should have been included. Part of the IRS request includes over $2 million in penalties for the failure to file and pay those gift taxes properly.

The estate admits that certain gift tax returns were not filed. However, many of those gifts were to her son, who was earlier convicted of 14 different crimes related to neglecting her care and stealing from her estate. Many estate planning attorneys have used the drama surrounding Ms. Astor’s estate and her son’s crimes as an example of what can go wrong when a Power of Attorney is in the wrong hands. As the Forbes article author noted, “the Astor case is a reminder to families that it’s important to make sure you get these basic estate and disability planning document right.”

December 7, 2011

Favorable Tax Rates and Tools May Soon End

by Ettinger Law Firm

This week Barron’s–a publication of the Wall Street Journal–discussed how many favorable tax breaks, rates, and regulations are either set to expire or may soon be eliminated by policymakers. It was explained how those at the top of the income ladder have seen a steady stream of tax cuts over the past ten years. Under President Bush the top income tax level was cut, the capital-gains tax was slashed, and dividend tax rules were changed. Our New York estate planning lawyers know that there were also many alterations to trusts, gift rules, and other wealth transfers issues over the past decade.

However, many speculate that changes will now be made in the other direction as policymakers look for ways to tackle growing debt and budget deficits. As one observer explained, “acting now on any kind of tax break is wise given the mood in Congress these days.” For example, perhaps that largest benefit set to expire is the $5 million gift and estate tax exclusion. The exclusion allows couples to essentially give away $10 million tax-free. The rates are currently set to revert back to $1 million at the end of 2012 unless legislative action is taken. This alone should be motivation for some families to focus immediate attention on their estate planning.

Other tax-saving tools may also not last indefinitely. For example, Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts (GRATs) are popular for some. GRATs are created for a set term (often two to five years) with an annuity stream from the trust being given to the one who set it up over that term. When the term expires the remainder above a set interest rate goes to heirs. When an experienced estate planning attorney helps create the trust, it can be “zeroed out” so that the annuity stream is set such that there are no gift tax consequences. However, there are currently discussions about changing GRATs. They may soon require a ten year term and zeroing out may no longer be allowed.

December 5, 2011

Art and Antique Succession Planning Should Not Be Overlooked

by Ettinger Law Firm

In many cases the most difficult aspect of conducting proper New York estate planning is ensuring that everything necessary is taken into account. Experienced New York estate planning lawyers usually know what options make the most sense in any given situation, but those plans are less effective if certain aspects of a community members’ situation are not accounted for within the overall plan. Few individuals forget to discuss assets like bank accounts and real estate. Fewer take the time to conduct less common planning needs, such as ensuring proper business succession details are in place.

Another often overlooked planning area involves art and antique collections. Last week Wealth Management discussed some tips for art succession planning. The authors noted many families have considerable wealth invested in their antique or art collections, but many fail to take much planning care with these items. The articles notes that “Many don’t realize the true value of their ‘stuff,’ thinking that the antique toy collection, family jewelry, or painting passed down by grandpa have no significant worth for which succession planning is essential.” Often that idea is misguided. A new Social Welfare Institute study from researchers out of Boston College found that in a few decades inter-generational asset transfers will total $41 trillion, of which roughly 10-13% will be art and antiques.

Considering that sizeable sum, it is incumbent that these objects be properly accounted for in all estate plans. Failure to do so is a serious preparation mistake. Not accounting for these assets may result in significant tax liabilities. Also, without proper evaluation there may be large discrepancies in the asset allocation to heirs–with one child getting much more than another accidentally. Even worse, heirs may dispose of collectibles at rates much less than their actual worth if they do not suspect something is valuable and are not given any guidance on its worth.

December 2, 2011

Editorial Calls for Repeal of the Estate Tax

by Ettinger Law Firm

Local residents with a taxable estate over $5 million need to conduct New York estate planning to ensure that they are best positioned to save on estate taxes. The estate tax is essentially a tax on one’s right to transfer property at death, and it can result in substantial liability for those with large estates. However, there are seemingly endless political debates about who should be taxed and at what level. The law in this area changes with surprising regularity. For example, in 2004 the tax applied to all those with taxable estates over $1.5 million. A few years later that threshold amount was increased to $2 million. In 2010 the tax was eliminated altogether. While it currently stands at $5 million, it is unclear whether policymakers will change that figure in the coming years. Of course, our New York estate planning attorneys closely monitor all estate tax developments, as these laws are important factors in our work helping residents conduct inheritance planning.

Criticism of the estate tax and the political wrangling around it is common. For example, a Forbes editorial last week called for repeal of the tax entirely. Pointing to the seeming randomness of the rates, the article author noted that “over the past ten years the federal estate tax rules have bordered on the ridiculous.” The author explained that planning plays a crucial role in helping residents legally avoid much estate tax liability. Proper planning can actually pay dividends for entire families. He wrote that “with a little bit of planning, not only would the estate of a person who died in 2010 be excludable from estate tax, but the future estate of the surviving spouse would be free of estate tax as well.” At the end of the day, the amount of tax paid often hinges on whether or not an individual has prepared a proper estate plan ahead of time or not.

Currently the estate tax generates about 2% of the annual federal revenue. The editorial author suggests that it would be logical to shift the tax system so that the 2% is paid as part of a more progressive income tax system. He specifically suggests increasing tax rates for capital gains and qualified dividend income. It is argued that even slight alterations to these taxes could generate $200 to $250 billion in additional revenue from those making more than $300,000 annually. The goal of this tax shift, claims the proponent, would be to provide a more logical taxation system that is easier to administer without sacrificing much needed public revenue at a time of tight budgets.

November 30, 2011

New Twist in Huguette Clark Estate Plan Controversy

by Ettinger Law Firm

Yesterday there was a new twist in the high-profile New York estate planning story involving Huguette Clark, the woman who died this year leaving behind a $400 million Gilded Age fortune. As we discussed earlier this week, the woman’s family was not provided for in her will. Instead her fortune was given mostly to a newly created art charity with some benefits going to her long-time nurse, attorney, and accountant. Instead of using various trusts to ensure the woman’s estate was transferred seamless per her wishes, her New York estate planning attorney surprisingly utilized only a will. Expectedly, the will has been challenged by the woman’s family.

However, new information was just released revealing that Ms. Clark actually signed two wills, one only a few weeks before the other. According to a report by MSNBC, both wills were genuine, meaning that they were properly executed. The first will, seemingly revoked by the signing of the second will, would have left her fortune to her family. The family filed the first will with the court yesterday–the first step in what will assuredly be a prolonged battled over the Clark family millions. The attorney representing the disinherited family members claimed that the case involved “undue influence and exploitation of a very elderly and extraordinarily wealthy woman at the hands of two professionals who, with the help of certain others…ultimately stripped her of her free will, as well as millions of dollars.”

As this situation demonstrates, it is incredibly ill-advised for any family to rely solely on a will to conduct inheritance planning, especially for families with large amounts of wealth. Like clockwork they almost always cause more problems than they solve. Will contests are common and virtually guaranteed to occur when two wills are signed in short succession with family members being cut out between them. In this case, while twenty one relatives would have split the fortune in the first will, the second gave a large amount to a nurse, small sums to an accountant and lawyer, and then put the rest in an art foundation that was to be managed by the same lawyer and accountant. That chain of events raises many red flags about the influence that the small group of individuals who benefitted from the second will had on the woman. It is made even more suspect by the fact that the estate planning attorney who was to benefit from the will was the same one that drew it up.

November 28, 2011

Questions Remain About Huguette Clark’s $400 Million New York Estate Plan

by Ettinger Law Firm

New York estate planning is a necessity for virtually all local residents, no matter where on the income scale one falls. Easing the emotional, social, and financial burden on one’s family and ensuring wishes are carried out upon one’s death is important if one has $400,000 or $400 million to pass on. Unfortunately, New York estate planning mistakes are made at all income levels, often with serious results for the individuals involved. The most common mistake includes not taking advantage of all of the legal tools available. For example, while wills are still commonly thought of as a basic estate planning necessity, in truth they are becoming obsolete for many families. Trusts are much more useful in that they can avoid probate and provide for substitute decision-making if disability strikes. Yet, many local residents, including those with vast fortunes, still fail to take advantage of the benefits that trusts bring.

One high-profile local example is that of Huguette Clark. The reclusive heir to her father’s copper and mining fortune died earlier this year at the age of 105. She was rumored to have more than $400 million at the time of her passing–an estate she inherited upon her father’s death over eighty five years ago in 1925. Ms. Clark had been a mysterious figure, having lived in a hospital room since the late 1980s. She left her Fifth Avenue apartment empty for over twenty two years even though she was in relatively good health until just before her passing. Ms. Clark was long estranged from her family, and only a very small and intimate group of advisors had any contact with her for the last quarter century.

Surprisingly, even though she had such a large estate, Ms. Clark’s advisors never had her create a trust to protect her long-term financial affairs. An article about her story published today by Forbes explains how most estate planning attorneys would have at least advised the client to utilize a revocable living trust, instead of a will. The need for a trust was made even more necessary considering the size of Ms. Clark’s wealth. In addition, there are questions about the terms of the will–drafted and signed when Ms. Clark was ninety eight years old. The will left most of the woman’s fortune to a newly created art fund and gave a significant amount to Ms. Clark’s long-time nurse. However, the will also named a partner in the very law firm that drafted the will as a beneficiary. Even if this was the exact intent of Ms. Clark, the potential conflict of interest issues would usually counsel the firm in question not to prepare the will. Many other questions remain surrounding her advisors spending over $100 million of her estate in the last two decades of her life.

November 22, 2011

Professional Help Needed When Crafting a Will

by Ettinger Law Firm

Our New York estate planning lawyers continue to advise local community members that wills are virtually obsolete for many residents. A will often creates more problems than it solves, because probate is still involved, the information is made public, and legal challenges to the will provisions are common. Estate planning is meant to simplify the transfer of assets, and wills often fail at that goal. Instead, the creation of trusts is usually a far superior method of saving taxes and streamlining the process to distribute assets quickly and seamlessly.

However, there may be limited situations where a will might be appropriate, depending on the age of the individual and their assets. As Forbes explained in an article last week, even when a will is used instead of a trust, it is vital to have professional help writing it. While do-it-yourself projects are worthwhile for home improvements and car maintenance, it is not the same vital financial planning tasks. When professional help is not sought and problems are created, it is only at the exact moment when the document is needed to work that its flaws come to light. At that point, there is no going back.

As the article explains, when done without experienced aid, wills are often filled with errors. For example, failing to sign the will, not updating it, or adding amendments improperly are common mistakes that can nullify the document. Without the guidance of professionals, imprecise wording is often used. It is much harder than many suspect to craft legal documents with language that is void of any ambiguity. Vague language is easy to misinterpret, and the one who knows for sure what was intended will not be around to explain the mistake. Estate planning lawyers are well versed in crafting legally precise terms in standard language that doesn’t equivocate.

November 18, 2011

Forbes Shares Information on Celebrity Estate Planning Stories

by Ettinger Law Firm

Families across the country will come together to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday next week. As a Forbes article recently explained, the holiday is a perfect time to discuss estate planning issues, because the planning is all about helping out one’s family. One of the main goals of an estate plan is to ensure that surviving family members will be taken care of and not forced to endure stressful, complicated, and costly procedures to get financial affairs in order following a death.

One way to broach the topic over Thanksgiving dinner, say the article authors, is to frame the talk in the context of high-profile celebrity stories. The article includes a list of the “Top 5 Celebrity-Based Estate Planning Conversation Starters.” Kim Kardashian’s story made the list to highlight the role that marriages have on one’s estate. The socialite ended her seventy two day marriage last month. Of course all marriages (short and long) have significant effects on one’s estate planning documents, and estate planning attorneys should be consulted when a marriage is entered into or ended. It is smart to make appropriate changes even before a divorce is finalized; otherwise the estranged spouse may still retain control if a death occurs before the separation is official.

The feud over Michael Jackson’s estate is also ripe with lessons. It was explained how the music pop star created a trust before he died and named his mother, three children, and personal charity as beneficiaries. Two trustees were named to help manage the trust. Our New York estate planning lawyers help clients in our community create these legal entities all the time. However, besides creating the trust, it is vital that the trust be “funded.” Funding is the process where assets are moved from an estate and into the trust. Failure to do this makes the trusts seemingly ineffective. That is where problems have arisen for the Jackson estate.

November 16, 2011

New Survey Reveals Financial Planning Helps in Bereavement Process

by Ettinger Law Firm

Our New York estate planning attorneys have decades of experience helping local families following the death of a loved one. We have come to appreciate the role that we play in this difficult time via the estate administration and probate settlement process. Financial uncertainty is the last thing that families need when struggling with emotions after losing a loved one.

A recent New York Life Foundation survey of local residents who had lost a spouse confirmed the vital role that New York estate planning plays in many lives. As reported yesterday in Life Health Pro, nearly sixty percent of survey respondents admitted that “losing my spouse has significantly impacted our standard of living.” More than half of survey respondents explained that they were not financially prepared at the time that they lost their spouse. For those widows and widowers who still had children living with them at the time of the loss, the financial struggles were even more severe.

The report found that “nearly everything involving money–either on their own behalf or on behalf of their children–was harder following the loss.” These money troubles were especially pronounced among families that had lost a spouse young or had failed to conduct any estate planning. For example, two out of three spouses agreed that it was much harder to save money following the loss. Sixty percent admitted that they had trouble managing household finances after the loss, with few able to find any available resources to spend even modest sums on themselves. For families with children, the consequences of these money troubles can be long-lasting. Over sixty percent of parents said that it was virtually impossible to save for their children’s college education following the death. Nearly half had the same problem in paying for affordable health care.