Planning Notes
Via this blog we address fundamental concepts and issues relevant to estate planning law (will, trust, probate, asset protection), business law (LLC), real estate law, & tax law. Published by Douglas K. Cook & Steven W. Cook.
Arizona Medicaid Look Back Period
December 20, 2016
The look-back period is a period of time, currently 60-months, during which Arizona Medicaid (ALTCS) is required to look through your finances in order to determine if you made any uncompensated transfers, i.e. you gave away or sold assets for less than their fair market values. Read More»
Trump’s Estate Tax Plan
November 9, 2016
We can only presume this means there will be a step-up in basis for up to $10 million of property upon the owner's death and that any tax associated with the gain on the property will only be incurred if and when such property is sold. Read More»
Hillary Clinton’s Estate Tax Plan
October 18, 2016
Clinton would lower the estate tax exemption to $3.5 million per person and $7 million per couple, while raising the estate tax from 40 to 45 percent Read More»
Second Marriage? What Could Happen If You Don’t Have An Estate Plan
October 10, 2016
Did you know that if you die without a will that each state in the U.S. has already written one for you? Read More»
Arizona Probate & Minors
October 3, 2016
In Arizona, what happens if a person dies and leaves property to minor children? Well, the answer depends upon the types of assets the decedent owned as well as the decedent's estate plan. Read More»
ALTCS Eligibility In 2016
September 1, 2016
The Arizona Long-Term Care System (ALTCS) is Arizona's implementation of the Medicaid program, which can pay nursing home costs for people that meet certain medical, income, and resource requirements. Read More»
Treasury Issues Proposed Regulations To Restrict Minority Discounts
August 3, 2016
The U.S. Department of the Treasury recently issued proposed regulations which could substantially reduce or eliminate minority discounts often associated with federal estate tax planning. Read More»
Prince Estate: The Importance Of Having A Will
July 18, 2016
Prince’s lack of planning could cost his estate up to half of its estimated $300 million worth. Read More»
Before You Travel This Summer, Don’t Forget These 5 Estate Planning Must Dos
May 26, 2016
Before you travel, there’s one thing I can almost guarantee — estate planning is the furthest thing from your mind. Read More»
Candidates' Proposed Estate Tax Plans
April 26, 2016
Under current law, estates worth $5.45 million or less are exempt from federal estate tax. Read More»
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