| Executors - Family Business Issues |
| The most difficult asset to administer in any estate is a family business. There are at least four major problems: (1) lack of liquidity - not enough cash to pay administration expenses, death taxes, and specific bequests; (2) lack of investment diversification - often all or most of a decedent's wealth is in one business; (3) non-marketability - it is hard, and sometimes impossible, to sell a minority interest in a family-owned business; and (4) the family's emotional involvement and company-employee relationships.More... |
| Resulting Trusts |
| Trusts are sometimes classified by the intent, if any, of the settlor to create a trust. This article discusses the kind of trust for which the settlor's intent is implied: the resulting trust.More... |
| Basic Trust Types and Formation |
| An express trust can be either private or charitable. The main difference is that the beneficiaries in a private trust are identifiable persons while a charitable trust cannot be for the benefit of identifiable persons. A charitable trust must be for religious, charitable, educational, or benevolent purposes, and cannot name only a few individuals to receive the benefit. If a charitable trust fails to name a specific charity, a court will redirect the trust property to a recipient that most closely appears capable of carrying out the charitable purpose. More... |
| Bank Account Co-Ownership Myths |
| One confusing aspect of estate planning is the numerous myths about the co-ownership of bank accounts. The different types of bank accounts are often confused with the standard forms of property co-ownership. This article discusses some of the myths about the co-ownership of bank accounts.More... |
| Failing to Make and Leave a Will |
| Although estimates vary, it's pretty safe to say that more than 50 percent of the people who could make and leave a will fail to do so. More... |


