Answers To Your Estate Planning And Probate Questions
You may have many questions when planning your estate or starting the probate process. Hubbard Snitchler & Parzianello PLC created this frequently asked questions (FAQ) page to answer your questions about estate planning law. If you do not see your question in this list, you can contact our Plymouth, Michigan, or Naples, Florida, office to get answers to your question from an attorney. Call us now at 313-672-7300 to set up your free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is probate and how can my assets avoid the process?
Probate is the court-supervised process of distributing a person’s assets to the legally correct party after their death. This process includes paying debts and taxes, determining the executor and identifying the heirs and benefactors. Because the courts supervise the process, it can become mired in red tape which can slow down the legal process.
While nearly all estates must go through probate, there are some tools that you can use to help certain assets avoid probate. A trust can take control of your assets, which are then managed by a trustee. The trustee will then have the power to transfer your assets after your death to your chosen beneficiaries. Another option for avoiding probate is to have your property be jointly owned. After a person’s death, the surviving party of jointly owned assets receives full control of the assets without having to go through probate.
How can high net worth families minimize their estate taxes?
Taxes can eat into your estate and minimize the gift that you wish to leave your loved ones. With a well-planned estate, you can avoid wealth-transfer taxes and easily pass on the full value of your estate. You have a couple of options when it comes to minimizing taxes:
- Create a charitable trust or give charitable gifts for a tax deduction
- Give annual gifts to your family members to slowly transfer assets without additional taxation
- Create a trust that manages your assets
- Have a plan for your lifetime tax exemption
What is an insurance trust?
Life insurance is often a smart investment for many people. Unfortunately, one of the drawbacks of life insurance is that the proceeds of the policy may be taxed, which can reduce the total compensation for your loved ones. An irrevocable life insurance trust (ILIT) allows you to transfer your existing life insurance policy or purchase a new life insurance policy in the name of the trust. By having a trustee retain your life insurance policy, you can avoid additional taxation while still naming a beneficiary of the trust who will receive the policy payout at the time of your death.
Get Answers From An Experienced Lawyer
We understand that an FAQ page cannot possibly answer every question. We offer free consultations with an attorney so that you can get comprehensive and personalized answers to your complex questions. Contact us now at 313-672-7300 or send us an email to schedule your free consultation.