Estate Planning
Truly effective estate planning is about more than simply minimizing taxes – although that is a part of it, and Ilene’s certification as a tax specialist makes her uniquely qualified in this area. It also involves planning for disability or death. Who has the authority to handle your finances if you are unable to do so? Who can make healthcare choices for you if you are unable to do so? As stated in the first paragraph; if you have not made your own choices, they will be made for you.
How We Help
We are committed to helping our clients by listening closely and helping you identify and clarify your most pressing concerns. After thoroughly understanding your particular situation and family dynamics, we will craft a comprehensive plan that addresses all of your concerns, and provides peace of mind for you and the people you care about most. If you already have a plan, chances are we can make it better. Remember, the law changes and your plan should reflect those changes. After all, an inadequate or outdated plan is often worse than no plan at all.
Needs We Address
The estate plan we create for you will accomplish all or just some of the following, depending on your specific needs:
- Maintain control over your affairs
- Protect your assets
- Continue to enjoy the lifestyle to which you have become accustomed
- Significantly reduce income, gift, capital gains, and estate taxes
- Pass the largest possible amount of your wealth on to your heirs in accordance with your wishes
- Protect your heirs’ inheritance from creditors, predators and, in certain cases, from the poor judgment of your heirs themselves
- Keep your affairs private
- Avoid the expenses and delays associated with probate
- Pass your values and work ethic on to your heirs
- Ensure your legacy
- Protect and leave instructions for your beloved pets with a pet trust
Find out more about Estate Planning
Joint Ownership A Dangerous Way to Avoid Probate
When asking about how to avoid probate, many clients have asked about the wisdom of adding family members as joint owners to bank accounts. While joint ownership will achieve the goal of avoiding probate, there are many dangers and drawbacks to adding family...
Estate Planning Challenges (and Benefits) for Same-Sex Couples
There are many changes going on nation-wide for same-sex couples as more and more states legalize gay marriage. But there are still a few areas of the law—estate planning being one of them—which present challenges no matter what your state of residence. This article...
New Tax Breaks Could Have Huge Benefits for Grandchildren
Last year was a fairly big year for tax news; with the repeal of the estate tax, the increase in the GST tax exemption, changes to 401(k) and IRA rules, and eventually the agreement on the new estate tax laws, we never wanted for something to write about. But one of...
“Trouble” Helmsley Makes Headlines One Last Time
The recent announcement of the death of “Trouble,” the famous canine heir of Leona Helmsley’s fortune, has made the issue of pet trusts once again headline news—something which is likely to bring positive results to pets all over the country. According to this article...
Estate Planning for Beginners Part 6: Funding
The hard part is done. Your estate plan has been created, all the documents signed and witnessed and notarized. But wait, you’re not quite done yet—especially if your estate plan includes a trust. The task of funding that trust still remains. Without the completion of...
Estate Planning for Beginners Part 5: Guardians of Minor Children
Quite often, an individual or couple’s decision to finally create an estate plan is motivated by a strong need to ensure that their minor children will be protected and provided for. This kind of planning for young children often begins with choosing the person or...
Questions?
Call
(480) 296-2036
info@ilmlaw.net
Hours
Mon – Fri: 9am – 4pm
Location
9777 N. 91st St
Suite C-103
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Mailing Address
8776 E Shea Blvd
Suite 106 PMB 607
Scottsdale, AZ 85260