Thinking that being named an executor gives you immediate control over an estate? Think again! In this video, Christopher Small from CMS Law Firm demystifies the executor role in estate planning and probate. Learn why you need a judge’s approval before you can take action and understand the steps involved in this legal process.
Curious about how to choose the best trustee for your estate plan? In this video, Christopher Small breaks down the key factors in selecting a trustee. He explains the pros and cons of picking a personal trustee—like a family member or friend—and a professional trustee, such as a trust company or bank. Learn what qualities to look for in a trustee, the responsibilities they’ll handle, and how they’re typically compensated. Whether you’re considering a loved one or a professional institution,…
Happy Sunday! Short message today as I’m currently sitting in the Kansas City airport waiting to catch a flight back to Seattle after a great weekend with friends. This is something we hear from time to time when talking to clients/potential clients about estate planning that I wanted to clear up. Two things actually. First, if you have a Will and it needs to be used you will have to go through probate to make distributions. The Will doesn’t prevent…
By: Brooke Small | August 5, 2024 | Trusts, Videos
Welcome to another insightful video by Christopher Small, owner of CMS Law Firm, where we specialize in estate planning and probate. In this video, we dive into the significant role trust planning can play in supporting a spouse diagnosed with dementia, such as Alzheimer’s. Chris shares a real-life example from his practice, illustrating how a trust created years ago is now proving invaluable for a couple facing this challenging situation. He explains the crucial steps taken to safeguard the incapacitated…
Happy Sunday! No big estate planning tips this week – the Olympics are on! Every four years when the Olympics roll around I always think to myself, “I’m going to find a really off the wall, niche, Olympic sport, get really good at it, and then qualify for the Olympics!” Then I start watching the athletes compete, and I quickly remember, “oh yeah, the people in those sports are REALLY good and have been practicing and working on their skills…
Happy Sunday! This week I wanted to talk about a probate that came into our office this recently – and the disastrous results that almost ensued. It is the wrong way to do estate planning with minor kids – and something I see more often than I’d care to admit. Here’s the backstory. Someone called our office because their parent had died. The caller was not a minor. They were an adult. They told us there was a Will and…
Curious about how the gift tax affects you and your financial planning? In this informative video, Christopher Small from CMS Law Firm demystifies the gift tax process. He explains the lifetime giving exemption, annual gifting limits, and what happens when you exceed those limits. You’ll also learn about important exceptions for educational and medical expenses. Perfect for small business owners seeking straightforward advice, this video will help you navigate gift taxes with confidence. We do estate planning. We do probate….
