Can Daddy Sign a Will or Power of Attorney?
When a spouse or parent has been diagnosed with dementia or some other condition that affects cognition, the family members may conclude (or be told by others) that the person…
New Rule Removes Tax Deferral on 401(k) Catchup Contributions
Staring next year, the highest-earning 401(k) participants who are eligible to make "catch-up" contributions will no longer be able to defer taxes on those contributions. A new rule is going…
Executor Overcame Presumption of Undue Influence Over Decedent
Lisa Sojourner executed a will in 1999 (the “1999 will”) in which she devised her interest in her real property to her nieces and the residue of her estate to…
Inherited Retirement Accounts: Minimizing Tax Consequences
The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act, which went into effect in 2020, changed how beneficiaries of inherited retirement accounts must withdraw these funds. The Act’s passage…
What to Know About Probate: Estate Planning Basics
Most estate planning attorneys can help you craft an estate plan that minimizes or avoids probate altogether. Probate proceedings are part of the public record and can be very time-consuming…
Baby Boomers and Beyond: Working Far Past Retirement Age
Takeaways A growing number of Americans are working past traditional retirement age, often due to financial necessity but also for engagement and purpose. Working later in life has significant implications…
Get Social Security Benefits by Check? Prepare for Change
Takeaways The Social Security Administration’s move to phase out paper checks for benefits payments requires most recipients to switch to electronic payments by September 30, 2025. This transition aims to enhance efficiency,…
Trust Formed Under Springing POA Void When Condition Not Met
We prepare powers of attorney (POA) for clients all the time. A question on our POA information form asks if they want the authority of their agent to be effective…
Will Invalid Due to Undue Influence of Testator’s Son
The Mississippi Supreme Court affirmed a chancery court’s ruling invalidating a decedent’s will due to lack of authentication, lack of testamentary capacity, and undue influence and setting aside several deeds.…
Health Care Changes in New Big Beautiful Bill
On July 3, the U.S. House of Representatives enacted the president’s massive tax cuts and federal cost-cutting bill known as the One Big Beautiful Bill, and the president signed it…