Lawyers provide a wide array of services and skills.  Above all, lawyers are problem solvers: the client is faced with a legal obstacle or policy hurdle and needs a knowledgeable advocate who can navigate the circumstances.  A common myth is that the law is “automatic,” that somehow third parties will always do what the law […]

Upon creating your estate plan, you have the capacity to not only formalize your wishes, but you also have the capacity to manage your finances.  The original intent of your estate plan is to ensure that your affairs can be handled efficiently by the persons of your choice in case of a future invent such […]

You finally got around to establishing your estate plan, consisting of a revocable living trust, pour-over will, power of attorney, an advance health care directive, and other important documents.  You are proud of yourself that you finally took the very important step of executing a plan that will help your trusted loved ones manage your […]

Most people understand the importance of seeking the counsel of a qualified attorney to draft their estate plans.  The law is complex and estate planning involves everybody they love and all the assets they own.  Furthermore, after death, family members might get into disagreements about the intent of the plan.  It is therefore definitely worthwhile […]

When I went to law school, I knew that I wanted to practice estate planning.  I usually joke that the reason it is unusual for law students to focus upon this subject matter is because there are no TV shows about estate planning attorneys: it’s not the flashiest area of the law.  Most people’s impressions […]

Most people are aware of the fact that they should have a personal estate plan that provides an efficient mechanism for the management of their assets during incapacity and the transfer of their assets upon death.  However, entrepreneurs who run their own businesses must seriously consider a business succession plan in addition to a personal […]

A significant degree of wealth is currently held in Individual Retirement Arrangements (“IRA’s”).  Most people focus on accumulating wealth in IRA’s – saving, contributing, and investing.  However, very few people contemplate the best methods for transferring IRA’s to the next generation.  The tax rules regarding IRA’s are unique and complex.  Failure to properly address IRA’s […]

Retirement plans are unique and require special planning.  Unlike most other assets, you cannot place ownership of your retirement plans into your revocable living trust during your lifetime.  Instead, even with a trust-based estate plan, the distributions of your retirement plans are controlled by the beneficiary designation documents held by the account custodian. Because you […]

Although my column focuses on issues related to estate planning, it is really all about family: planning for and protecting the ones you love. Sometimes it is nice to take a break from the technical aspects of the law and share a family story. Below is an article about my participation in the U.S. Pond […]

  KRASA LAW is pleased to announce that Kyle will be speaking in an upcoming Strafford live phone/web seminar, "Estate Planning Update for 2013" scheduled for Wednesday, February 6, 10:00 am to 11:30 am PST.   The program is normally $200 but your relationship with KRASA LAW allows you to register at a 50% discount […]