In May of 2011, a federal bankruptcy case, Battley v. Mortensen, Adv. D.Alaska, No. A09-90036-DMD (2011) led many planners and clients to doubt the protection afforded by Domestic Asset Protection Trusts (DAPTs). Judge MacDonald set aside Thomas Mortensen’s transfer of real property to an Alaska asset protection trust as a fraudulent conveyance. This case came in direct opposition from previous holdings…
Continue reading…How Nevada AB 223 May Protect Your Estate
Existing law allows a judgment creditor to obtain a writ of execution, attachment or garnishment to levy on the property of a judgment debtor or defendant in certain circumstances (NRS 21 and 31). What this means in laymen’s terms is that if you are sued, and the creditor wins, they have the right to collect…
Continue reading…Beware of “Simple” Estate Plans
“I just need a simple will.” It’s a phrase estate planning attorneys hear practically every other day. From the client’s perspective, there’s no reason to do anything complicated, especially if it might lead to higher legal fees. Unfortunately, what may appear to be a “simple” estate is all too often rife with complications that, if…
Continue reading…Overview of Life Estates
Overview of Life Estates Establishing a Life Estate is a relatively simple process in which you transfer your property to your children, while retaining your right to use and live in the property. Life Estates are used to avoid probate, maximize tax benefits and protect the real property from potential long-term care expenses you may…
Continue reading…Do I Really Need Advance Directives for Health Care?
Do I Really Need Advance Directives for Health Care? Many people are confused by advance directives. They are unsure what type of directives are out there, and whether they even need directives at all, especially if they are young. There are several types of advance directives. One is a living will, which communicates what type…
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