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Civil Unions and Estate Planning (March 2011)

On February 23, 2011, Governor Abercrombie signed into law Senate Bill 232, which makes civil unions legal in Hawaii, starting January 1, 2012.  Although the law says that a civil union is not a marriage, it gives partners in a civil union the same legal rights and...

Take Advantage of the New Gift Tax Law (February 2011)

The new tax law gives us a wonderful opportunity to protect assets from nursing home costs and also from taxes.  It makes temporary changes to the federal tax laws.  It allows you to give away during your lifetime up to $5 million of assets without any gift...

The New Estate Tax Law (January 2011)

Happy New Year, everyone!  We have some exciting new tax laws.  On December 17, 2010, President Obama signed into law the 2010 Tax Relief Act.  I will explain the most important changes in estate and gift taxes. Temporary Law.  Important parts of the new law are only...

Community Property (December 2010)

COMMUNITY PROPERTY If you own property in any of the following states, it is important that you understand the basics about community property: Alaska, Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin.  Also Puerto Rico and...

Beware of Trust Salesmen (November 2010)

BEWARE OF TRUST SALESMEN We were recently warned about a trust salesman committing fraud by saying that if you sign up with him, you would get a discount in legal fees from Okura & Associates.  We don’t even know this person, and have reported him to the police....