» Estate Planning

Beginning in 2011, decedents who leave their assets to their spouse can also transfer their unused estate tax exemption, commonly called “portability” under the IRS’s portability rules. The surviving spouse is eligible to receive the decedent�… Read More

Despite the recent opening of State insurance exchanges under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (often called “ObamaCare”), many people are still uncertain about exactly what the law requires and how it impacts them. The Act is exten… Read More

Consider this scenario: Mom passed away in 1995. Mom is survived by Dad and their two children: Tommy and Jamie. Tommy lives close to Dad, visits him every other day, and helps Dad with shopping and other needs. Jamie lives two hours away and visits… Read More

Parents of young children relying on friends or family to take care of their children while they take a well-deserved vacation should consider signing a delegation of parental powers before they leave. This form assures that whoever is watching the c… Read More

William M. Wright – founder and of counsel attorney with Wright Beamer, PLC – recently taught a seminar at the Probate and Estate Planning Institute’s sessions in Traverse City and Plymouth. The Institute, which is sponsored by the Institute of… Read More

The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (“ATRA”), coupled with the expiration of the 2% Social Security payroll tax reduction, mean increased taxes for most Americans. The increases come primarily in the form of new taxes, higher tax rates, phas… Read More

In an effort to prevent potential abuse of elders and other vulnerable adults, the Michigan legislature recently added a new provision to the law governing durable powers of attorney. Powers of attorney, in a nutshell, are documents whereby we design… Read More

Americans breathed a collective sigh of relief when Congress enacted the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (“ATRA”) earlier this month, thereby keeping the U.S. from plunging over the “fiscal cliff.” ATRA dealt with a surprising number of… Read More