This month’s Alert examines the importance of proper IRA beneficiary designations. The Alert examines a case in which the stretch of IRA distributions was not maximized because of the beneficiary designation.

With more than half of marriages ending in divorce, an increasing number of families are “blended families.” The Alert this month examines the unique issues faced in planning for blended families.

This month’s alert examines the current, perhaps short-lived, opportunity for clients to give away millions of dollars during their lifetime without a gift tax. Unless the law changes, this narrow window will close at year-end.

This month’s Alert reviews the inflation adjustments applicable to federal taxation in 2012. It examines changes in the estate, gift, and generation skipping transfer taxes, as well as income taxes.

This month’s Alert examines when the income of a trust may be considered available to creditors. The Alert examines a case involving the availability for purposes of determining alimony.

This month’s Alert examines the continuing uncertainty with the Estate and Gift Tax and the unique, limited-time opportunities which are available now.

Elder law is an increasingly important area of law for clients. This month’s Alert examines a Wisconsin case concerning an Irrevocable trust which was included as an available asset for Medicaid purposes. The Alert also examines what they could have done differently to achieve a better result.

This month’s Alert examines the IRS’ recent release of instructions regarding how to ensure portability of the applicable exclusion amount at the death of the first spouse. Many surviving spouses may see an estate tax return at the death of the first spouse to be unnecessary. This alert shows why advisors should document that they advised the filing of an estate tax return.

Clients occasionally attempt do-it-yourself estate planning. Sometimes they use software assistance, borrow from others’ documents, or amend their professionally prepared documents themselves. This month’s Alert looks at one such story and the havoc it wrought. In the end, the client’s goals were not achieved and her loved ones were pitted against each other in court.

The estate tax law is a moving target, both at the federal and state level. This month’s Alert examines a case which illustrates how the changing laws can result in unintended results in your plan. Now, more than ever, it is important to review your estate plan periodically to ensure the outcome you want.