How to Demystify Estate Planning for the Average American

By WealthCounsel Staff on Mar 3, 2017 8:00:00 AM

Demystify Estate Planning for the Average AmericanMany Americans view estate planning as a tool — and topic — for the rich and famous. But even some of the wealthiest celebrities neglect to plan for their future. Take the estate of the late musician Prince, for example. The artist died with no known will, leaving the fate of his $100 million fortune up in the air. The legal ramifications are enough to make doves cry.

The outcome of Prince’s estate is still to be determined. For now, the estate’s special administrator is allowed to hire entertainment experts to maximize the value of his assets. This might sound like a wealthy celebrity problem, but the reality is that prolonged legal disputes around estates happen every day to average Americans. More than one-third (35%) of respondents to our recent estate planning survey said they’ve either personally experienced or know someone who has experienced family conflict as a result of not having a will or estate plan.

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Protecting Client Trade Secrets: The Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016, Part 3

By WealthCounsel Staff on Mar 2, 2017 11:51:57 AM

Attorneys should be informed of the changes brought by the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 in order to protect client interests in this area.

The enactment of the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 expanded the available courses of action for aggrieved parties to protect their trade secrets. Signed into law on May 11, 2016, the Act gives federal courts jurisdiction over trade secret cases and allows individuals to bring a private cause of action in federal court.

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5 Things to Think About When Setting Up a Stand Alone Retirement Trust for a New Client

By WealthCounsel Education Staff on Feb 23, 2017 12:00:05 PM

Wealth Docx can give you – and your client – peace of mind when establishing complicated retirement trusts.With the exception of a spouse, beneficiaries of an IRA don’t have a lot of options when they inherit. Choices consist of receiving the funds in a lump sum or liquidation of the account over five years. That also means a spendthrift beneficiary can waste a parent’s hard-earned retirement income with disturbing ease.

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