Anderson, Dorn & Rader Blog

Due to provisions contained the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001, the estate tax was repealed for 2010. However, the estate tax is scheduled to return to […]

The estate tax is repealed for 2010, but when it was last in effect back in 2009, the exclusion was $3.5 million. The exclusion stood at $2 million from 2006 […]

In this modern era it is not uncommon for women to accumulate significant assets of their own during their lifetime, and when they pass away they’ll want to leave those […]

Even if your original retirement plan is as a couple, it might be a good idea to consider the possibility that you could become a widow at some point during […]

Don't neglect the gift of your life story.

The details of our lives are constantly evolving. So in a very real sense estate planning is an ongoing process rather than a single event. A plan that makes sense for you today may not be appropriate five, ten, or twenty years from now. There are many strategies that can be utilized in a well drafted estate plan depending on the specifics of your situation. Life insurance is one such tool in an estate planners tool box.

When you are busy living your life you may not think too much about your estate and how you would like your assets distributed. If it does cross your mind, […]

If you are the owner of a small business you know that one of the keys to long term success is a solid and well conceived business plan. It is […]

Setting up a plan for possible disability is a vital part of estate planning. As you set forth your disability wishes, you will have the opportunity to determine how your […]

A Revocable Living Trust is an excellent estate planning tool for those who want to avoid probate and keep their estate private. Did you know, however, that your Living Trust […]

When creating your Last Will and Testament it is important to follow all of the necessary steps to ensure that it will be valid and legally binding.

A Lifetime Trust is an Irrevocable Trust that will pay out an inheritance to a beneficiary for the duration of his or her life. Creating individual Lifetime Trusts for your […]

When a Last Will and Testament or Revocable Living Trust is created, the testator or trust maker will name beneficiaries to receive his or her property. If any beneficiary receives less than her or she expected or is omitted does that person have a claim to receive a portion of the estate?

If you have retirement accounts, you understand the importance of having enough funds to cover your retirement expenses. So, what if you pass away with funds still in these accounts? […]

In a challenging economy we are often tempted to "DIY" (do it yourself). So, is it possible to write your own Revocable Living Trust? Yes, but you should know the […]

Probate is the court administered process by which a decedent’s final affairs are publically settled. During this process an executor is appointed, the estate is inventoried, debts and taxes are paid, an accounting is rendered and property is finally distributed to the beneficiaries. Not all estates require probate. So, when is probate necessary?

If you or a loved one passes away without a valid Last Will and Testament, intestacy laws (sometimes called succession laws) will be used to settle your estate. These laws […]

No one wants to consider dying before their children reach adulthood, but it is a very real possibility. Making a guardian plan for your children after your death is the […]