Estate planning with intentionally defective grantor trusts (IDGTs)—despite the moniker—has many advantages. In fact, this well-established technique isn’t defective at all; the term “defective” describes the effect of income taxation rules on these instruments. Here, we’ll discuss the ins and outs of IDGTs, including how they may be a part of developing comprehensive estate plans and how they can be very tax “effective” for estate tax purposes.

People consider filing for bankruptcy for a number of reasons. But whatever the reason, this option is often seen as a last resort—a solution to be considered only after all other potential remedies have been exhausted. Unfortunately, the stigma associated with bankruptcy may make those drowning in debt hesitant to seek relief. Some have ethical objections, and others may view bankruptcy as an admission of personal defeat. As a result, a petition for bankruptcy relief is often made far later than objectively advisable.

When it comes to planning for the future, clients will (understandably) have questions and concerns. As their advisor, you are in a position to guide them through the retirement planning process, helping them to make the best decisions for their specific needs and retirement goals.

But what will your clients want to know? How can you ensure that you are giving them the most relevant and valuable information? These six critical retirement questions are ones every financial advisor should prepare for (and every client should ask).

Irrevocable trusts can help accomplish many financial goals, such as creating a legacy for future generations or providing financial support for a disabled family member. Whatever the purpose, grantors enjoy tremendous flexibility when designing an irrevocable trust. But once that trust is in place, the ability to adjust its direction is often limited by rigid rules. As a result, over time, a trust may fall out of alignment with the intentions of the grantor and/or the interests of the beneficiaries.

A plan to distribute wealth, just like a plan to accumulate it, must be tailored around your client's unique situation, goals, and needs. As the trusted advisor, you're well positioned to oversee all elements of your client's plan to help ensure the distribution of assets according to his or her wishes—and at the lowest possible cost. That involves a sometimes overwhelming amount of information and documents to keep track of, so what follows is an estate planning checklist to guide your conversations with clients and to help ensure that you've covered all the details in their plans.