As the year comes to a close, we took some time at Martin L. Rogalski, P.C. to discuss some trends and observations from the past year. Here is what some members of the team had to say:
Martin on Tax Preparations: Death and Taxes, Literally
The Christmas Season will soon give way to tax season. Whether you are a surviving spouse or a Personal Representative, be sure to include tax returns on your list of estate administration steps. The decedent needs to file an income tax return for the year of his/her death. The exception would be if the decedent’s income for the tax year was below the minimum amount for which the IRS requires an income tax return. Also, a surviving spouse can sign the return for a deceased spouse covering the final year of the decedent’s life, provided the correct procedures are filed. Our firm recommends that you see an experienced accountant to make sure the correct procedures are followed, especially if there is a Probate Estate involved.
Dylan on Using AI: Helpful but not Complete
Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) has become a more common part of everyone’s daily life as the technology surrounding it has grown. Whether it is ChatGPT or Google’s new AI suggestions, AI can be a helpful tool to quickly educate oneself on a certain topic. To this end, we have seen a large increase in clients using AI to educate themselves before attending a Bankruptcy Initial Office Conference with our office.
While the education can be helpful for clients to get familiar with the terminology and the general concepts of bankruptcy, we have seen it become a hindrance. Bankruptcy is a complex and interconnected area of the law. The types of debt owed, income levels, and assets held by an individual can drastically change how bankruptcy can be beneficial. The information AI produces for someone often does not take into account these nuanced factors that can alter the advice our office can provide.
In short, AI in the field of bankruptcy should be used in moderation and in addition to a consultation with our office. AI does help clients understand the general concepts of bankruptcy, but often does not give an individual a full and complete understanding of how bankruptcy can help their financial situation.
Justine on Estate Planning: Don’t Leave Your Documents Unsigned!
Estate planning is a crucial investment for you and your family. Our clients invest their hard-earned money to create estate planning documents that protect and plan for their family after they pass. Make the most of your investment by ensuring that your documents are signed. Estate planning documents are not effective until you make an appointment with us to sign.
If you have any questions about your drafts, please feel free to call us, but do not wait to get a signing scheduled. Remember that if you have our office prepare a trust package, you will also receive a complementary trust funding appointment. We teach you how to effectively use your documents to save you and your family stress when the time comes to put them into effect.
If you know of an upcoming medical procedure or travel plans that may cause you to want to update your documents, don’t wait to call us. Let us take some of the stress out of sometimes stressful situations by making sure your documents are timely and updated to fit your current wishes.
If any of the above topics seem to apply to you, the staff here at Martin L. Rogalski, P.C. is ready to help you start off 2026 on the right foot or with a plan to address any issues you may be facing. Contact us to set your next meeting or to ask questions.
As 2025 comes to a close all of us here at Martin L. Rogalski, P.C. wish everyone a happy holiday season.
