Author Archives: Roger Billings

What Is an Advance Health Care Directive – Estate Planning Basics

Posted on April 7, 2014 by Roger Billings

An Advance Health Care Directive designates the people responsible for your health and may also state your health care wishes. It must be a written properly executed legal document. The health care agent designated by the Advance Health Care Directive … Continue reading →






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Think Twice Before Giving It All Away

Posted on April 4, 2014 by Roger Billings

Whether assets are inherited at death or given away while you are still alive, the federal estate tax exemption is essentially the same, currently $5,340,000 per person. But the effect of capital gains tax may be the deciding factor. The … Continue reading →






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Jagger Inherits $9 Million

Posted on April 2, 2014 by Roger Billings

  From the Telegraph: L’Wren Scott, the fashion designer who committed suicide last week, left her entire estate of $9 million to her long-time boyfriend Sir Mick Jagger, according to a new report. The contents of her simple will, which … Continue reading →






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Not All Deeds Are Created Equal: An Estate Planning Vocabulary Tip

Posted on March 31, 2014 by Roger Billings

  “Great acts are made up of small deeds.” Lao Tzu In the legal world, the word “deed” is confusing. Used by itself, it usually refers to a document transferring title to real estate. There are different types of such … Continue reading →






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When to Update

Posted on March 28, 2014 by Roger Billings

  What is the point of doing an estate plan if I am just going to update it later? My answer to this frequent questions is that if you know for certain that you are for going to live another … Continue reading →






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Watch Out for Undue Influence

Posted on May 21, 2013 by Roger Billings

The short video by Stewart Albertson at the link below discusses how undue influence can be used to overturn a will or trust. I suggest that it be used as a warning of the importance of avoiding undue influence while parents are … Continue reading →






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The Pitfalls for Professionals Writing a Book

Posted on May 17, 2013 by Roger Billings

“Oh that mine adversary had written a book.” Book of Job 31:35 For financial professionals, writing a book is often seen as a means to garnering influence and prestige. A recent post in the Trust Advisor Blog pointed out the … Continue reading →






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