Blog Articles

Book An Initial Call Now

How the New IRS Tax Rule Impacts Irrevocable Trusts in Estate

May 21, 2024
Capital gains taxes are the heart of the IRS Rule 2023-2 changes. Individuals pay taxes on the difference between an asset's purchase price and a higher sell price as that asset's value grows over time. When creating or updating an estate plan, you must consider the new IRS rule.
Read More

Asset Protection Strategies for Medicaid Eligibility

May 20, 2024
Learn how to protect assets and become eligible for Medicaid with practical strategies, while avoiding questionable methods.
Read More

Estate Plans and the Rising Need For Elder Law and Advance Care Planning as We Age

May 17, 2024
Elder law attorneys help seniors protect their life savings for future generations and plan for long-term care by empowering individuals to navigate the journey of aging with dignity, security, and peace of mind.
Read More

The Surprising Ways Trusts Future-Proof Your Estate Plan

May 16, 2024
In a season of economic unease, inflation, and changing state laws, strategies like trusts, trust protectors, and a clear purpose statement in your estate plan ensure that your assets and values transfer according to your wishes.
Read More

Digital Life Lives on After You’re Gone- Unless You Plan Ahead

May 15, 2024
We all have a digital footprint that does not necessarily die with us. There are three things you should do to best prepare your executor, trustee or other personal representative to properly handle your posthumous digital affairs.
Read More

Estate and Investment Planning Balances Short and Long

May 14, 2024
Strategic asset allocation and estate planning strategies hinge on carefully considering future financial needs. Today's volatile markets spotlight financial questions of how much and when you'll need to fund retirement to senior living and the time in between while preserving wealth for beneficiaries.
Read More

Crummey Trusts: A Strategic Approach to Gifting for Your Children's

May 10, 2024
Learn how to qualify for the annual gift tax exclusion by maximizing the benefits of a Crummey trust. Understand withdrawal power and more.
Read More

QTIP Trust: Understanding Qualified Terminable Interest

May 9, 2024
Learn how QTIP trusts can benefit your estate plan by providing for your surviving spouse and other beneficiaries. Understand how they work to maximize tax saving benefits.
Read More

Estate Planning Checklist for 2024: A Comprehensive Guide

May 8, 2024
Estate planning is more than writing a will; it’s a plan to manage and distribute assets to your dependents. It documents your healthcare preferences, so a loved one decides on medical care according to your wishes. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) Adviser’s article, “Estate Planning Guide and Checklist for 2024,” offers a comprehensive overview of what to consider when planning your estate. This blog post distills the key points from the article and provides an actionable checklist for 2024. Understanding Estate Planning Estate planning organizes your affairs to fulfill your wishes after you pass away. It encompasses decisions about…
Read More

Do I Pay Taxes on Wedding Gifts?

May 7, 2024
Even if you clearly don't owe taxes, you may have to report gift amounts should you give more than $18,000 in 2024 to a specific individual.
Read More
Let Us Help You Through This

Reach Out Now

What Sets Us Apart
We understand this process can be difficult. We ease you through it with your best interest in mind.

Legal problems are extremely stressful, especially when your family, your health, or your freedom are at stake. At this point in time, you may not even be sure what kinds of questions you need to ask a lawyer, but that’s entirely normal. Whether your situation involves family law, estate planning, elder law, a criminal charge, or a personal injury, we will start by giving you all the information you need.

The way we see it, you deserve to get this information directly from an expert. That’s why we make it easy for you to get in touch with your lawyer, and we never ask you to sit down with a paralegal or assistant instead.

As our relationship continues, we will keep you updated about the status of your case every step of the way. Your lawyer will reach out regularly to tell you about any new developments, and he will also be happy to answer any questions you have throughout the process.

Join Our eNewsletter

Stay informed and updated by subscribing to our eNewsletter!
Subscribe Now!
Law Offices of Claude S. Smith, III

805 Bigley Avenue
Charleston, WV 25302

Get Directions
Integrity Marketing Solutions - Estate Planning Marketing
Powered by