Family and Estate Planning in Vermont
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Transcript of Family and Estate Planning in Vermont
FAMILY & ESTATE PLANNING IN VERMONT
The Many Changes that Affect Families Through the Years
HUMAN NATURE AS A REASON WHY WE AVOID ESTATE
PLANNING
There are many reasons people avoid estate planning
It’s uncomfortable
It’s intimidating
We don’t understand the legal jargon
Past experiences with lawyers only confused us more
It’s uncomfortable
It’s intimidating
We don’t understand the legal jargon
Past experiences with lawyers only confused us more
It’s uncomfortable
It’s intimidating
We don’t understand the legal jargon
Past experiences with lawyers only confused us more
It’s uncomfortable
It’s intimidating
We don’t understand the legal jargon
Past experiences with lawyers only confused us more
The New American Family
Modern family dynamics makes it even more important to
ensure estate planning is a priority
New marriages
Step-children
Same sex marriages
New marriages
Step-children
Same sex marriages
New marriages
Step-children
Same sex marriages
Marital Deductions
A favorite tool for estate planning
A favorite tool for estate planning
It must be right, or else, higher taxes could be the result
A favorite tool for estate planning
It must be right, or else, higher taxes could be the result
Experienced estate planning lawyers are your best tool to avoid mistakes
Gross estate is calculated after the estate executor takes over
It combines the total value of all assets, the value of property left to survivors and
takes into consideration other factors, such as charitable contributions
One especially important benefit is the absence of marital deduction limits
Estate taxes can be eliminated in their entirety by
leaving the whole estate to the spouse
It’s not always the answer though; marital deductions defer taxes,
NOT ELIMINATE THEM
Outside Factors that Must Be Considered
The recession changed everything
Unemployment is still high
Foreclosures are still problematic in most states
Lawmakers have few answers
Other Questions We’re Asked
What happens if someone doesn’t honor my wishes after I’ve died?
What if I’m a widow and want to remarry, what about my deceased wife’s estate?
I want my deceased husband’s children to receive his estate and not my new spouse’s children. How do I do that?
Can I leave my former stepchildren part of my own estate?
I already have an estate plan, but how do I make adjustments?
I’m going through a divorce. How will this affect my estate plan?
What are healthcare directives?
What does DOMA mean for me and my partner?
Want to Know More About Family and Estate Planning
in Vermont?