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Gregory S. DuPont, JD, CFP

5 Reasons to Decant a Trust

When a trust is decanted, the accounts and property from the existing trust are removed and distributed into a new trust. This is done when the structure of the trust needs to undergo major changes.

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Braden A. Blumenstiel, JD

Most Commonly Compensated Injuries Under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program

The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (NVICP) provides compensation for individuals who suffer an adverse reaction to a vaccine. Although vaccines are capable of causing a wide variety of injuries, some injuries occur more frequently than others. As a result, some injuries are more commonly filed and compensated under the NVICP than others. Commonly reported vaccine injuries reported to the NVICP include the following

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Gregory S. DuPont, JD, CFP

Survivor's Trust vs. Joint Trust

A joint trust can be structured so that when one spouse passes away, the trust is split into two sub-trusts: a survivor’s trust and a decedent’s trust.

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Gregory S. DuPont, JD, CFP

What the Last Surviving Spouse Rule Means for Estate Taxes

40% estate tax could apply to gifts over approximately $6.4 million come 2026. Many families with high net worth will need to reevaluate their estate plans and adjust strategies to preserve their property and investments. One strategy is to take advantage of the deceased spousal unused exclusion amount (DSUEA)

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Gregory S. DuPont

Does a Trustee Have Authority to Sell Assets?

When administering a trust, the trustee might encounter situations in which they need to convert trust assets into cash to provide liquidity to the trust. This could mean selling stocks, bonds, real estate, or other high-value assets to generate funds. Though this decision must be based on prudent investor rules or standards and be in the best interest of the beneficiaries, trustees generally don't need beneficiary approval to liquidate or sell trust property.

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Laura Blumenstiel, JD

Blindsided: The Michael Oher Conservatorship Controversy Explained

Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy took Oher into their home and were appointed as conservators of his estate. But Oher has recently alleged that the Tuohys never actually adopted him. Oher alleges that the Tuohys tricked him into agreeing to the conservatorship and unjustly profited from his trust in them.

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Jennifer Short

Estate Planning for Lottery Winners

If you're fortunate enough to have a winning lottery ticket, it is important to carefully consider how you want to handle your unexpected windfall. There is an unfortunate pattern of lottery winners blowing their new wealth. You don't want to be one of them, even if your prize is much smaller than those mentioned.

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Jennifer Short, JD

What Items to Include in Your Estate Plan

When you start the estate planning process, your attorney will likely ask you about your bank accounts, life insurance, and house. But, you may also want to address what happens to your personal property (i.e. your 'stuff'). When deciding what items to explicitly mention in your estate plan, ask yourself the following questions: Does this item have monetary or sentimental value? Will someone want this? How does this item fit into my overall estate plan?

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