Other Retirement Ripoffs CONSTITUTIONAL OR COMMON LAW TRUSTS This illegal estate-planning scam is sold to seniors under the guise of asset protection and estate- and gift-tax avoidance. It has become especially problematic in Florida. DESIGNER ESTATE PLANS Some large accounting firms offer comprehensive estate-planning services for thousands of dollars. But most people can get all the guidance they need from an estate-planning attorney for far less. LIVING TRUSTS Set up so heirs can avoid probating a will, these trusts are being peddled to people who don't need them. Also beware of prepackaged versions: They can be declared invalid if not in accordance with state law. Return to main story

Updated July 11, 1997 by bwwebmaster
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