We at BCK are excited to announce that two of our Managing Directors have once again been selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2022. Bradley S. Braun is recognized for his experience with Trusts and Estates (Brad has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America© every year since 2013). Gregory M. Kruzel is recognized for
The loss of a loved one is traumatic. In addition to grief and emotional turmoil, there are often various aspects of that loved one’s life which need to be closed out. Completing these tasks can take time and hard work. If you are the person responsible for settling your deceased loved one’s affairs, what are your duties and responsibilities and who can you turn to for help? It is
The difference between a living will, Do-Not-Resuscitate (“DNR”), and Health Care Power of Attorney (“HCPOA”) is a common estate planning question, and the distinctions are subtle but important. Living Will Living wills are written instructions detailing an individual’s preferences for medical care if they are no longer capable of making their own medical decisions. It
Trusts are an increasingly popular estate planning tool, as they provide many benefits. Trusts permit property owners (the “Settlor”) to transfer assets out of their individual name, to a trust, where the assets can be handled, managed, and ultimately passed to successor beneficiaries. Here are some of the most common reasons for creating a trust:
People are more than just the sum of their assets! During life, each of us leaves a mark on the world. Who we are and how we conduct ourselves impacts our friends, families, associates, and perhaps even strangers whom we’ve only encountered briefly. These intangibles, (i.e. our memories, values, visions, personality, skills, beliefs, jokes, traditions,
President Biden has proposed some drastic tax law changes. These changes include altering the step-up in basis tax break, capping gains that can be deferred, as well as potentially lowering the estate tax exemption. PROPOSED CHANGES TO STEP-UP IN BASIS AND INCREASED CAPITAL GAINS TAXES The American Families Plan as proposed by President Biden
There is a life that needs to be closed out after someone dies, which is often a process that takes time and hard work. After the appropriate medical professional issues the legal pronouncement of death, and after loved ones arrange the funeral and burial or cremation, the funeral home often helps you obtain one or
*** We initially communicated information about the Paycheck Protection Program to our clients here and subsequently provided an update about ongoing clarifications from the Treasury here. We will continue to provide periodic updates, but we strongly urge that affected businesses seek guidance from their tax advisors. *** The federal government initiated the Paycheck Protection Program
When working on a client’s estate plan, it is not unusual for a client to ask about identity theft. Sometimes the question is about if and how they can prevent it, and occasionally the question is what to do if it happens. As our clients age, we often have conversations with their adult children about
Roger Rabbit:“Yeah. Check the probate. Why, my Uncle Thumper had a problem with HIS probate, and he had to take these big pills, and drink lots of water.” Eddie Valiant:“Not prostate, you idiot. PROBATE.” Roger Rabbit is not the only one confused about what probate is. While most people today probably have a basic understanding
We at BCK are excited to announce that two of our Managing Directors have once again been selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2022. Bradley S. Braun is recognized for his experience with Trusts and Estates (Brad has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America© every year since 2013). Gregory M. Kruzel is recognized for
The loss of a loved one is traumatic. In addition to grief and emotional turmoil, there are often various aspects of that loved one’s life which need to be closed out. Completing these tasks can take time and hard work. If you are the person responsible for settling your deceased loved one’s affairs, what are your duties and responsibilities and who can you turn to for help? It is
The difference between a living will, Do-Not-Resuscitate (“DNR”), and Health Care Power of Attorney (“HCPOA”) is a common estate planning question, and the distinctions are subtle but important. Living Will Living wills are written instructions detailing an individual’s preferences for medical care if they are no longer capable of making their own medical decisions. It
Trusts are an increasingly popular estate planning tool, as they provide many benefits. Trusts permit property owners (the “Settlor”) to transfer assets out of their individual name, to a trust, where the assets can be handled, managed, and ultimately passed to successor beneficiaries. Here are some of the most common reasons for creating a trust:
People are more than just the sum of their assets! During life, each of us leaves a mark on the world. Who we are and how we conduct ourselves impacts our friends, families, associates, and perhaps even strangers whom we’ve only encountered briefly. These intangibles, (i.e. our memories, values, visions, personality, skills, beliefs, jokes, traditions,
President Biden has proposed some drastic tax law changes. These changes include altering the step-up in basis tax break, capping gains that can be deferred, as well as potentially lowering the estate tax exemption. PROPOSED CHANGES TO STEP-UP IN BASIS AND INCREASED CAPITAL GAINS TAXES The American Families Plan as proposed by President Biden
There is a life that needs to be closed out after someone dies, which is often a process that takes time and hard work. After the appropriate medical professional issues the legal pronouncement of death, and after loved ones arrange the funeral and burial or cremation, the funeral home often helps you obtain one or
*** We initially communicated information about the Paycheck Protection Program to our clients here and subsequently provided an update about ongoing clarifications from the Treasury here. We will continue to provide periodic updates, but we strongly urge that affected businesses seek guidance from their tax advisors. *** The federal government initiated the Paycheck Protection Program
When working on a client’s estate plan, it is not unusual for a client to ask about identity theft. Sometimes the question is about if and how they can prevent it, and occasionally the question is what to do if it happens. As our clients age, we often have conversations with their adult children about
Roger Rabbit:“Yeah. Check the probate. Why, my Uncle Thumper had a problem with HIS probate, and he had to take these big pills, and drink lots of water.” Eddie Valiant:“Not prostate, you idiot. PROBATE.” Roger Rabbit is not the only one confused about what probate is. While most people today probably have a basic understanding
