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April 18, 2023: Nothing Is Certain Except Death and Taxes By Melinda Gustafson Gervasi April 14, 2023  This year "tax day" , the deadline by which individuals must file their federal income taxes for 2022, falls on Tuesday, April 18th .  If that strikes you as "off", you would be correct.  Normally this day falls on April 15th, but in 2023 the 15th is a Saturday.  One might expect for the deadline to be the next business day, assuming it is Monday, April 17th.  However, April 17th is a holiday in Washington, D.C. ( Emancipation Day ). Leaving us with a federal income tax filing deadline of Tuesday, April 18th.  Phew, this got complicated quickly and it's just the calendar, not the tax code itself. When updating or creating an estate plan, many Americans focus their efforts on minimizing gift or estate taxes.  Many never think about the income tax; they'll be dead, how could the income tax be an issue they may wonder.  If you own traditional retire...

4 Things To Consider When Nominating a Guardian of Minor Children By Melinda Gustafson Gervasi April 10, 2023 Easter -- it's the season of hope, new life, and flourishment.  Here in Madison, Wisconsin the snow has melted away, daffodils push up from the soil, and my backyard is filled with the songs of birds.  Nesting -- the act of preparing for the young is feverishly underway in Wisconsin.  And quite possibly in your home as you prepare to welcome a tiny little human into your life. Along with the baby showers, crib assembly, and name selection comes a less than loved task -- thinking of who to name as a guardian for your child if the unthinkable were to happen.  As a parent I know this task is dreaded.  As a lawyer I know this decision is critically important.  You, and only you, are best suited to determine who should step into your shoes if your child were left without parents.  The following are 4 things to consider when selecting a guardian for ...