Minimizing the Impact

Staff Writers

Social Security regulations are set in stone.  To combat reduced disability payments it is advised that both partners in a non-traditional relationship purchase additional disability insurance, above and beyond what may be offered from your medical office or hospital group plan. 

And, to combat the lack of death benefit from Social Security and some restrictive hospital or medical employer plans, it is recommended that sufficient life insurance be purchased on both parties. 

View this as a business buy-sell arrangement, so that one either partner will be left with sufficient financial means if an untimely death should take place. 

A charitable remainder trust, for estate planning, may be an appropriate document that allows a medical professional with an alternative lifestyle to insure an income stream for the rest of both partner’s lives.  It may result in reduced estate taxes, relief from capital gains, and the opportunity to diversify your investments. In this way, the legacy that is left to a significant other comes without familial meddling. 

In early 2000, the Vermont Supreme Court recognized that committed gay couples deserve the same rights and benefits, in the eyes of the law, as heterosexual couples.

So, going forward from 2008, some experts hope the above machinations may not be required much longer. Nevertheless, on the positive side, there are a few financial benefits to being unmarried.  

For example, although they can’t file joint income tax returns, or use each other’s deductions to shelter income, unmarrieds do avoid the so-called but eviscerated marriage penalty that occured when both parties had high paying jobs, such as medical professionals. 

Assessment

Moreover, if one partner is wealthy, unmarried couples can take advantage of estate freeze techniques, unavailable to married couples since 1990, to reduce gift and estate taxes. 

And so, have you been affected by any of the above?

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Titling Assets Correctly

Staff Writers 

Generally, medical professionals should not save in a child’s name.  Yes, there is a small tax break, but all the assets in their name diminish the amount of financial aid available to them.  

Also, your child can take control of the assets at age 18 or 21, depending on your state’s law. 

Other drawbacks to be aware of include:

· The custodian has the power to invest and draw funds for the benefit of the child; but who defines – what is a benefit?

· Earned income will be taxed at the child’s rate.

· The gift is irrevocable, and may be included in your estate for federal tax purposes, if you die prior to the age of majority. 

The Uniform Gift to Minors Act (UGMA) and the slightly different Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) are therefore usually not helpful when it comes to financial aid, and not using them will ensure that you will decide how to spend the funds. 

What is your experience in this area relative to college savings?

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