While no parent ever wants to consider the fact that they may pass away and leave their children behind, considering what might happen to college savings funds upon the death of a parent may be imperative. Those who are dealing with estate planning issues may want to...
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Ridgewood Estate Planning Blog
An overview of trusts for New Jersey residents
On Behalf of The Manna Helmy Law Group | Jun 7, 2013 | Asset Protection
Estate planning may seem daunting to some New Jersey residents because it can be complicated. An estate plan may require consideration of a person's personal preferences, cash flow, retirement needs, taxes, insurance and investment wishes, both currently and in the...
Be aware of how the inheritance tax could affect family finances
On Behalf of The Manna Helmy Law Group | Jun 2, 2013 | Inheritance And Estate Tax, Probate
New Jersey taxpayers expecting an inheritance may also receive something else less pleasant along with it - a hefty inheritance tax. A recent article by The Motley Fool discusses the inheritance tax some states charge to generate additional revenue for themselves....
How to fund an estate plan
On Behalf of The Manna Helmy Law Group | May 31, 2013 | Estate Planning
New Jersey residents who are married may wonder about the process of setting up an estate plan for a spouse. Some spouses simply hold assets jointly, titled so that a spouse automatically inherits them at the time of death, or they have a basic will that leaves...
Why everyone needs estate planning, not just the rich
On Behalf of The Manna Helmy Law Group | May 26, 2013 | Estate Planning
Many people may believe that estate planning only benefits the elderly or the very wealthy; however, estate planning is important for everyone, even those with limited assets. Estate planning includes wills, but it also includes living trusts. If an individual dies...
Estate planning for the not-as-wealthy
On Behalf of The Manna Helmy Law Group | May 24, 2013 | Estate Planning
When planning an estate, most people automatically think of the very rich since the exemption for an estate tax is more than $5 million. However, an estate tax is not the only issue involved in estate planning. Most people, no matter their social status, need to make...
Estate planning in the electronic age
On Behalf of The Manna Helmy Law Group | May 17, 2013 | Estate Planning
Over the years, the American people have moved huge portions of their lives to the Internet. From socializing with friends and business associates to shopping and banking, people spend a great deal of time on the Internet. As part of this shift, "digital assets" have...
Estate planning for the future
On Behalf of The Manna Helmy Law Group | May 15, 2013 | Estate Planning
Since 2001, there have been many changes to federal tax laws regarding estates. In the complicated world of estate planning, the focus has been on exemption amounts and the tax rate above it, even in New Jersey. From 2001 to 2010, the exemption rate continually rose...
Man dies with large estate and no heirs
On Behalf of The Manna Helmy Law Group | May 12, 2013 | Estate Planning
New Jersey residents may be interested in to hear that in 2012, a 97-year-old Holocaust survivor and real estate developer passed away, leaving no relatives and no heirs. He also apparently did no estate planning - and left an estate worth nearly $40 million. A...
Estate planning is important in financial planning
On Behalf of The Manna Helmy Law Group | May 10, 2013 | Estate Planning
Some people think that only "old" people die, or that estate planning is unnecessary for the young. On the contrary, estate planning is essential for people of all ages. An estate plan will help ensure that a person's wishes are respected should the person pass away...