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Educational FYIs
These recent developments and case studies address any aspect of the law that touches on estate planning. They offer an interesting perspective and/or warning. The frequency of release varies from month to month and week to week. Our purpose for sharing these Educational FYI's to you is to further enlighten you on the many variables involved in the fine balancing act of proper estate planning.

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James Couch, Attorney at Law releases important estate planning and related articles on a regular basis. Please take a moment to register to receive full access to our Educational Alerts and FYIs.  CLICK TO REGISTER  - OR - Enter the password that was given to you:

Wealthy People Less Likely to Die in Pain
A University of Michigan study finds that wealthier elders are significantly less likely than poorer ones to suffer pain at the end of their lives.

Groups Campaigning Against Repeal of Estate Tax
Anti-estate tax repeal groups have begun a campaign targeting moderate Democrats and Republicans in a campaign to retain the estate tax. The campaign is helped by the efforts of many major life insurance companies as well as charitable organizations.

Spendthrift Trust Not Reachable for Debts Incurred by Beneficiary Acting as Trustee
Two testamentary trusts were created in the decedents will, one for the benefit of each of her sons. One son became trustee of both trusts, and proceeded to empty his brother's trust by investing in his own business, and thereafter failed to account to the other brother. The court entered a surcharge against the trustee-brother and forfeited the surety bond he had posted. The court then gave a judgment in favor of the surety against the defalcating trustee-brother.

End-of-Life Care
Health Affairs Journal has published three articles about the Schiavo case and the costs of end-of-life care.

Final Regulations on Ordering Rules for Charitable Remainder Trusts Issued
The Internal Revenue Services has issued final regulations on the ordering rules of section 664(b) of the Internal Revenue Code for characterizing distributions from charitable remainder trusts (CRTs).

IRA Gifts to Charity Temporarily Unlimited
As part of the tax relief provided by Congress, unlimited donations of IRAs or pension plans to charities will be allowed for a short period of time.

Insurance on Retirement Accounts Increased
The FDIC and Credit Union insurance coverage on retirement assets such as Individual Retirement Accounts and 401(k)s has recently been increased to $250,000 from $100,000.

Article of Interest on Intestacy
You may be interested in reviewing the article on the laws of intestacy in the various states.

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