We Invite Your Questions, and Answer a Few
MAY 30, 2011 VOLUME 18 NUMBER 19 Periodically we try to answer some of our readers’ frequent questions, which we enjoy receiving. Some more recent questions and our quick attempts at simple answers follow. Remember, please, that slight variations in fact patterns can lead to different answers; these are intended as illustrations and guidance, not […]
We Take a Stab at Some Of Our Common Legal Questions
FEBRUARY 21, 2011 VOLUME 18 NUMBER 6 We get asked plenty of general legal questions. We try to give helpful answers, recognizing that we can not give specific legal advice to non-clients (and particularly to questioners from outside Arizona, where we are licensed to practice law). Often our best answer is “check with a local […]
Trust Named as IRA Beneficiary? Here’s How it Works
OCTOBER 18, 2010 VOLUME 17 NUMBER 32 Three weeks ago we wrote about how to leave an IRA (or other qualified retirement plan) to a special needs trust for your child who has a disability. Two weeks ago we wrote about whether you should (and how you would) name any trust as beneficiary of an […]
How to Leave Your IRA to a Trust — And Why You Might
OCTOBER 4, 2010 VOLUME 17 NUMBER 31 Last week we wrote about how you can go about leaving your IRA (or 401(k), 403(b), etc.) to a child with a disability. In passing we mentioned that the discussion about how to leave your IRA to any trust could wait for another day. Today is that day. […]
Pension Protection Act of 2006 Includes Little-Known Benefits
NOVEMBER 13, 2006 VOLUME 14, NUMBER 20 Even as the recent national election was ramping up late last summer, Congress passed and the President signed the Pension Protection Act of 2006. Billed as a great boon to most workers, the Act may not have nearly the advertised effect—primarily because of a continuing shift away from […]
Beneficiary Form in Substantial Compliance With 401(k) Rules
NOVEMBER 6, 2006 VOLUME 14, NUMBER 19 James Marier was married to his wife Kathleen for twelve years, until the couple divorced. As often happens, Mr. Marier continued to maintain a good relationship with his step-daughter, Tracy Marks. Her children called Mr. Marier “Grandpa Jim,” and he continued to spend holidays with his ex-wife, his […]