Greenwich Connecticut Estate Planning Law Blog

Conservatorships help people and families through hard times

On behalf of Ferguson Cohen LLP posted in Guardianships and Conservatorships on Friday, May 18, 2018.

There may come a time towards the end of a full life when a person is unable to manage his or her own personal and business affairs. It is a subject few people wish to address, but those who have significant assets and goals for them that may extend beyond their lifetimes should take steps to accomplish them.

One way to ensure the quality administration of a person's assets or necessities is to appoint a conservator. This is a person legally appointed by a Connecticut probate court to oversee the aspects of life that a person cannot manage due to advanced age or mental disability.

How to reap the rewards of avoiding probate

On behalf of Ferguson Cohen LLP on Friday, May 11, 2018.

As you prepare your estate plans, you may place a lot of attention on your will. However, this is only one document of many, and not even the most effective one. Wills usually involve probate, which can be more harmful than helpful to your estate.

Consider the benefits of using other estate planning tools to avoid having your estate go through probate court.

What estate taxes are due in Connecticut?

On behalf of Ferguson Cohen LLP posted in Estate Planning on Friday, May 11, 2018.

Wealth management is often a complicated subject full of positive and negative risks. It takes patience and skill to successfully build a fortune and keep it, while it takes additional help in many cases to properly transfer assets when a great and productive life comes to a close.

Estate planning has more aspects that require attention for larger estates, as bequests are taxed on a sliding scale just like other income. It is often a good idea to retain legal representation for estate planning in order to ensure all these aspects are handled.

Probate courts serve the basic legal needs of Connecticutians

On behalf of Ferguson Cohen LLP posted in Probate Litigation on Friday, April 27, 2018.

Many people are concerned about the security and future of someone in their lives who may not be able to manage his or her own affairs. Connecticut has thousands of families with members who must be specially designated by law as another person's charge.

This could be a child or an elderly person with limitations, who are often not expected to manage finances or home maintenance. People with mental disabilities may have or develop a lack of ability to manage these things. Probate courts are there to help friends and families take responsibility for these people.

Conservatorship may help with estate planning

On behalf of Ferguson Cohen LLP posted in Guardianships and Conservatorships on Thursday, April 26, 2018.

Conservatorship is a way to keep a person's estate and affairs in order if or when they are not able to do it for themselves. The most common subjects of a conservatorship are people with mental limitations, either through a disability or disease.

Many people include conservatorship in their estate plans, as mental faculties may decline later in life when estate planning is more important. A conservator may ensure that a person's assets can be used properly to maintain their health and business interests, including those for the good of their families.

Tax law changes affect Connecticut estate planning

On behalf of Ferguson Cohen LLP posted in Estate Planning on Friday, April 20, 2018.

Connecticut is home to one of the nation's highest incomes per capita and many of the best jobs in the country. As a result, many residents of the Nutmeg State have sizable income, savings and other financial advantages to manage properly.

One of the most fundamental ways to manage money is determining who will get it and how in the case of a person's death. Estate planning is rarely a pleasant task to think about, but there is great comfort in knowing that children, relatives, friends and charities will have financial security thanks to a bequest.

How do I deal with a probate court problem?

On behalf of Ferguson Cohen LLP posted in Probate Litigation on Wednesday, April 18, 2018.

Probate court is a highly democratic way to access the Connecticut justice system. Whether citizens are planning their estate or seeking help in caring for a disabled relative, courts can help people find the solution.

It is rare, although possible, that a probate court makes a mistake. Fortunately, the process for redress is almost as easy as accessing the court itself. One can complain about a court's or judge's behavior to the Council on Probate Judicial Conduct.

Preventing disputes with careful estate planning

On behalf of Ferguson Cohen LLP posted in blog on Tuesday, April 10, 2018.

Disputes may be one of the most commonly overlooked estate planning concerns in the Greenwich and White Plains area. While the likelihood of disputes in lower value estates is not common, they happen frequently in high-value estates. You should never assume your loved ones are going to quietly and amicably accept your last will and testament.

There is always the possibility that someone may challenge your will. Consider the following pointers on how to prevent potential conflicts and disputes over your estate.

How does guardianship work in Connecticut?

On behalf of Ferguson Cohen LLP posted in Guardianships and Conservatorships on Wednesday, April 4, 2018.

Guardianship is a vital part of a happy, safe and healthy childhood. The most common guardian for minors is a parent or set of parents, but there are many types that may be assigned or confirmed by a Connecticut probate court.

What does "guardianship" mean?

Correcting problems in estate planning can be difficult

On behalf of Ferguson Cohen LLP posted in Estate Planning on Friday, March 30, 2018.

Connecticut is one of the richest states in the nation and home to thousands of personal estates. People looking to take care of their families after the end of life often make their efforts more effective when they act quickly and decisively.

The tragic events of September 11, 2001, ended many lives unexpectedly and prematurely. Many families who had to recover from the loss of a loved one were faced with another problem: how to manage their late relatives' estates.

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