Jennifer Pagnillo, a partner at Day Pitney, discusses the importance of estate planning for National Make-a-Will Month. A recent study from Caring.com's 2020 Estate Planning and Wills Study shows that less than one-third of all Americans have a will or other type of estate planning document. Without a will, Pagnillo explains that one's state's law controls the distribution of property at death, which can lead to unintended consequences. Having a will is an important first step, but it is also important to make sure that all beneficiary designations are properly completed so that retirement plans, insurance and the like also pass as you intend at your death. Revocable (living) trusts and incapacity documents are other important parts of your estate plan. Thinking about your death is never pleasant, but the alternative can be costly and litigious and have undesirable results.
To read more, click here.
Day Pitney Alert
Day Pitney Trusts and Estates Partner Tasha Dickinson was featured in the CNBC Select article, "Living Trust vs. a Will – What's the Best Way to Pass an Inheritance to Your Family."
Day Pitney Private Client Department Chair B. Dane Dudley was featured in the Hartford Business Journal article, "Multigenerational Shift: Navigating Great Wealth Transfer is a Boon for Attorneys, Estate/Investment Planners."
Day Pitney Trusts and Estates Partner Tasha Dickinson and Senior Associate Stephanie Eassa Rapp were recognized by the Palm Beach Illustrated as "Top Lawyers in 2023," in its September 2023 issue.
Four Day Pitney Boca Raton Attorneys were recognized by the Boca Raton Observer as "Top Lawyers in 2023."
Day Pitney Trusts and Estates Partner Tasha K. Dickinson was featured in a Q&A article, "How to Plan for a Generational Wealth Transfer When You Have a Blended Family," by GOBankingRates.
Day Pitney Trusts and Estates Partner Tasha Dickinson was featured in Capital Analytics Associates' Invest: West Palm Beach Q&A, where she discussed the firm, diversity and the South Florida legal market.
Day Pitney Trusts and Estates Partner Tasha Dickinson was featured in the Daily Business Review's article, "'Elephant in the Room': Day Pitney Attorney Weighs in on Dianne Feinstein Feud," discussing Feinstein's feud with her late husband's children over his estate.
Day Pitney Trusts and Estates Attorneys Andrew M. Nerney and Grant W. Silvester authored the article, "U.S. Appeals Court: Deathbed Checks Are Includible in Decedent's Estate," for WealthManagement.com, which discusses a recent ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals in the Third Circuit on deathbed gifting.
Day Pitney Private Client Department Senior Associate Claire N. Carrabba authored the article, "The Tax-Saving Potential of Gifts and Sales to Family Trusts," for WealthManagement.com.