Straight Marriages – Gay Unions

The debate of gay marriages has been a very hot political topic for many years and with being such a hot topic it is almost astounding the number of places that have come out publicly either for or against the topic. While there are few states who allow the idea of a...

Minimising Tax Liability On Death

When we die, most of us leave behind a fairly substantial and intricate web of assets and liabilities, including money, our home and our other possessions. In most jurisdictions, there arises a liability to tax on death that must be borne from the totality of the...

Divorce, Taxes and Your Estate Plan

Over a million Americans will untie the knot this year (about half as many as those who say “I do.”), about half as many as those who say I do. While most in the throes of divorce are too caught up with the business at hand to think of the long-term...

Estate-Tax Valuation — Real Property

The value of any real property as of a given date is subject to widely differing opinions. If there is no market for the property, it should be valued at (a) the highest price available, or (b) the amount it will bring as salvage, whichever is greater. If there is a...

Removal of an executor or estate administrator

Removal of an Executor or Estate Administrator Appointment of a Personal Representative A will typically designates an “executor,” or one charged with administering the estate. If the executor cannot or will not serve, a court may appoint an...