Estate taxes are charges that occur when a person dies. They typically apply to the value of the estate the person leaves behind prior to transferring any assets to heirs. Louisiana has an estate transfer tax, but it does not impose an estate or inheritance tax. The...
Month: October 2022
What will happen if you become incapacitated?
Understandably, most people do not like to imagine a future where they may not have the ability to make decisions for themselves. Various events, including accidents or illness, can cause you to lose your ability to make legal decisions. A power of attorney is a tool...
What duties do executors have?
When selecting an executor for your estate, it is important to do so with the executor's duties in mind. After all, while you may have someone in mind to serve as your executor, do they have what it takes to fulfill all of the tasks, duties and responsibilities that...
4 important steps to take preparing for tax season
While the deadline to submit taxes is a little more than two months away – April 18 to be exact, this subject should be among the list of important things to prepare for right now. Procrastinating on your taxes –whether as an individual or a small business owner – is...
What should you look for in a care facility?
Selecting a care facility is one of the most important parts of estate planning for many people. After all, a number will need the support of a facility in their later years. But how can you pick out the best possible care facility? What sort of things should you look...
What causes arguments over estate plans?
Estate plans unfortunately cause a lot of friction within families for various reasons. Is it possible to reduce these conflicts? Fortunately, the answer is yes. You need to do some of the work while you are still alive, however. Reignition of old rivalries Everplans...
How do wills and trusts differ?
Both wills and trusts exist as a way for you to pass on your assets to your loved ones after your death. Each one has its own particular uses and situations that they best suit. However, many people do not know that they can opt for a trust instead of a will, or...
5 reasons why people do not have an estate plan
Too many Americans do not have an estate plan. Their reasons for not acting vary from procrastination to claiming they do not have any heirs. Somehow, we must convince more people about the importance of having an estate plan and the simplicity involved in completing...
Will the state of Louisiana end up with my estate?
The succession process in Louisiana is how your estate will go to the people that you want to inherit from you. Writing a will or setting up a trust are two ways to help ensure the fulfillment of your wishes. However, the state itself might wind up with your...
Do family members make good executors?
When choosing an executor, a family member may seem like the natural first option to lean toward. However, family members do not always make for good executors. What are the biggest potential issues with leaning on a family member in these situations? The skills of a...