For the first time since 2001, Congress has provided some degree of certainty about the federal estate and gift tax.

As we wrote in the Autumn 2012 news-letter, we strive to keep things simple for our clients. Some complications can be avoided and some cannot. Just knowing that these conditions exist can help your estate planning go more smoothly.

“Simple can be harder than complex: You have to work hard to get your thinking clean to make it simple. But it’s worth it in the end because once you get there, you can move mountains.” – Steve Jobs

Foley & Foley is celebrating its silver anniversary in 2012. “When you have been in business for 25 years in Alaska, you start to feel like an institution,” said Richard H. Foley, one of the firm’s founders.

The holidays are just around the corner, and many of us are starting to think about ways to give back to our community or favorite charities. There may be a way you can give back while taking advantage of tax and investment requirements.

A living trust is like a power of attorney on steroids. The trust agreement will transfer control of your financial affairs to your successor trustees in a more efficient manner than a durable power of attorney, and it will give your trustee greater control to manage assets. A living trust is a superior disability planning … The Living Trust: A Super Power of Attorney

Generosity is an important—yet often unrecognized—reason to plan your estate.

Whether you are starting a new business or running an existing business, it is important to select the proper legal entity for your business operations. This article looks at four standard legal structures that might be selected for your business operations.

In the classic 1970 movie Little Big Man, starring Dustin Hoffman, co-star Chief Dan George makes famous the classic Lakota Sioux saying attributed to Crazy Horse before the Battle of the Little Big Horn: It is a good day to die.”

Ben Franklin said, “In the world nothing can be said to be certain except death and taxes.”