Planning Notes

The Sanders bill would exempt the first $3.5 million on an individual’s estate from estate tax and would include a maximum marginal tax rate of 65%. Read More»

The president  —  our Law Professor in Chief  — has to know the DOJ is on shaky ground. He’s probably got this rule of statutory construction rolling around in his mind as he watches college basketball this week: Specific statutes trump general ones. Generalia specialibus non derogant. Read More»

One of the most common questions people ask trademark attorneys is: Why should I apply for federal trademark registration — what benefits does it provide? Read More»

It's one of the deepest felt concerns. How can you pass your values onto your children and grandchildren even if you pass away earlier than you expect? Read More»

Did you recently send one or more of your kids off to college? If so, it might be time for an estate plan update in order to protect both them and you. Read More»

When it comes to our to do lists, most people have penciled in "make a will" or "make an estate plan" right at the very bottom. Read More»

How does an estate tax imposed by an individual state, in addition to the federal estate tax, affect that state? Should the states that still impose a state estate tax follow the growing number of states that are abolishing their state estate taxes? Read More»

A Florida District Court of Appeal recently held that the provisions of a particular LLC’s operating agreement restricted the transfer of a decedent’s ownership interest in an LLC at death. Read More»

The Obama Administration proposes to limit the amount of capital gain deferred under Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code from the exchange of real property to $1,000,000 (indexed for inflation) per taxpayer per taxable year. Read More»