| Trust Elements - Beneficiary |
| |
| A trust has five main elements. First, a settlor transfers some or all of his or her property. Second, the property transferred by the settlor is designated trust property. Third, the trust property designated by the settlor is transferred with the settlor's intent that it be managed by another. Fourth, the trust property designated by the settlor is transferred for management by a trustee. Fifth, the trust property designated by the settlor is managed by a trustee for the benefit of a beneficiary.More... |
| |
| The Natural Objects of One's Bounty - II |
| |
| This article is the second part of a three-part series describing the traditional names for the various members of one's family.More... |
| |
| Making Final Arrangements -- Body Disposition |
| |
| When thinking about your estate plan, you should also reflect on what kind of body disposition and ceremonies you desire. Planning can save money as well as save your survivors from uncertainty and further grief. A will is poor place to express your preferences because it probably will not be located and read until weeks after your death. Instead, you can write out a statement of your preferences that will be promptly available at your death to ensure that your wishes are carried out.More... |
| |
| Protection of the Immediate Family |
| |
| One of the main purposes for making and leaving a will is to guide the administration of the estate of the testator--the person who made the will. A will should be written in language that is clear and indisputable. Alas, the language in a will may be unclear or vague. This article discusses will interpretation doctrines designed to protect the testator's immediate family from mistakes, or apparent mistakes, by the testator.More... |
| |
| Federal Estate-Tax Return - Deductions |
| |
| To be deductible, death-related expenses must be necessary, reasonable, allowable under state law, and have been paid (or be payable) by the estate. The IRS will attempt to disallow deductions for expenses that are not necessary to pay the dents or taxes of the estate or to preserve the estate or distribute it. More... |
| |
