Without a Living Trust, most estates end up in probate that can easily take six to twenty months before your property, including cash, can be distributed. Michael is available to prepare all of the basic estate planning documents needed to protect you and those you lov
When a fiduciary acts in your best interest, conversations around cost happen transparently after gaining a full understanding of a client’s goals and situation. A fiduciary advisor provides long-term alignment and consistency—serving not just as an investment manager, but as a steward of your financial life and legacy. It means that every recommendation, every portfolio decision, and every piece of guidance must be made with the client’s best interest as the top priority – without exception. A fiduciary financial advisor is held to the highest standard in the industry. It continues to be a very credible voice that speaks to fee-only planners and the importance of always working in your clients’ best interests. "Our 2025–2028 Strategic Plan recommits us to what makes NAPFA exceptional--putting clients first, supporting professional growth, and fostering a deeply collaborative community," said Natalie Pine, CFP®, ChSNC®, NAPFA Board Chai
For New Parents and Married Couples What happens when you have a specific question about your beneficiaries or how to title an asset in your trust? A little bit of caution now can provide a whole lot of peace of mind later. Whether you’re considering an online platform or a local attorney, there are several ways to save money without sacrificing peace of mind. A simple will is a legal document that outlines your wishes for your property after you pass awa
What Is an Asset Protection Trust? An asset protection trust is not a standalone solution; instead, it works as a component of a broader estate and wealth planning framework. Although APTs may limit creditor access to assets, they do not exempt the grantor or beneficiaries from tax obligations. An independent or institutional trustee is often preferred, as self-trusteed APTs may face greater scrutiny. For individuals involved in closely held businesses or real estate ventures, APTs may help keep personal holdings insulated from liabilities that arise within business entities or partnerships. The choice between them depends on multiple factors, including asset location, risk tolerance, and legal considerations. Each type comes with different legal requirements, costs, and administrative expectation
Using trusts to pass on inheritance The residence nil rate band is an allowance for passing on the family estate protection services home. There are many ways to give away money to your loved ones and worthy causes. If you don’t survive the full seven years and the value of the gift exceeds your available nil rate band, the amount of inheritance tax on those gifts, that your beneficiaries will pay, is tapered. The 7 year inheritance tax rule is in place to prevent people from giving away everything on their deathbed in order to avoid inheritance tax. We can show you how much money you will need with cashflow modelling, help you to pass on assets in the most effective way, and work with you to reduce or manage an inheritance tax bill. Estate planning isn’t just about passing on money when you die – it’s also about enjoying life now and ensuring you have enough to live o
Have more questions? We're ready to help. By treating your estate plan as a dynamic document, you can ensure that it continues to reflect your wishes and provides the best possible protection for your loved ones. Think about whether you want to support specific goals for your beneficiaries, such as education or starting a business. If you have a family business, you can set goals to ensure its continuation by creating a structured transition estate protection services plan and designating the right individuals to take over. Additionally, gathering usernames and passwords for your digital accounts is essential to ensure that your beneficiaries have access to all your assets, both physical and digital. A good place to begin is with an estate planning checklist, which can guide you through the essential steps, such as creating a will, setting up trusts, and designating power of attorne
It's easy to think that all you need to do is draft a Will dividing your assets and trusting your beneficiaries to keep them in the family. If you're like many of our clients, you hope your assets and accumulated wealth will provide a lasting legacy to your family after you're gone. You have probably spent years building your assets and increasing the size of your estate or business. For example, conveyancing fees will be payable when transferring property into the trust in addition to the costs of setting up the trust. Our experienced team can help advise you on the best solutions to suit your family and financial circumstance
If you're ready to create an estate plan that keeps your assets out of probate court and protects your family's financial future, Alatsas Law Firm is here to help. Some families may only need a estate protection services few simple beneficiary designations, while others benefit from trusts, lifetime gifting strategies, and advanced Medicaid planning. A current asset inventory and digital estate plan ensure nothing gets lost in the shuffle. When they both pass away, their children inherit the home without probate proceedings. Alatsas Law Firm helps Brooklyn families navigate New York's specific real estate transfer laws to find the most effective probate avoidance strategy for their unique situations. Keeping these funds out of probate ensures your family receives financial support quickly when they need it mos