Home >  Planning >  
 
Estate Planning
 
  

 
Four of the most important reasons you need an estate plan are:
 
  • To control who manages and receives your assets at your death.
  • To minimize administrative expenses and legal fees.
  • To transfer a greater share of your assets to your heirs and favored charities/causes.
  • To protect your heirs by providing them with wealth management continuity throughout your lifetime and beyond.

Your estate may incur a federal estate tax liability at a maximum rate of 45% for 2007. The Federal exemption amount in 2007 is $2,000,000 per person. Morgan Stanley can assist you with achieving your unique financial aspirations via the estate planning process.
 

 
Reasons for ongoing review
 
Even if you already have an estate plan, you should review it in the event of:
  • Marriage
  • The birth of a child or grandchild
  • A significant change in your net worth (stock option vesting or inheritance)
  • Changes in financial objectives (such as early retirement)
  • The purchase or sale of a house or family business
  • Divorce
  • Death of a spouse or beneficiary
  • Changes in the tax laws

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney has many alternatives available to help you protect your assets. These products and services include:
 
 
 
 
 
If you are not sure where you stand see the Estate Planning Checklist and answer a few questions. Once you review this information, contact your Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Financial Advisor to discuss your specific situation.
 
NOTE: Morgan Stanley Smith Barney and its Financial Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Consult your personal tax advisor or attorney for matters involving taxation and tax planning and your attorney for matters involving personal trusts and estate planning.
 
Our estate planning services are not financial planning (unless they are specifically called financial planning). They do not create an investment advisory or a fiduciary relationship (including under ERISA) between you and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney will prepare a financial plan at your specific request through Morgan Stanley Financial OutlookSM.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
Branch Locator | Site Map | Privacy | Terms of Use | Disclosures | Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated Financial Statement
 
 
The Global Wealth Management Group of Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated and the Smith Barney division of Citigroup Global Markets Inc. have combined into Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a new investment adviser and broker-dealer registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
In general, references to Morgan Stanley in this section of the site should be read as Morgan Stanley Smith Barney; however, some services will continue to be provided by Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated. Click here to read the Statement of Responsibilities, which explains the respective roles and functions of Morgan Stanley and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney.
 
The information and services provided on the website are intended for persons in the U.S. only. Non-U.S. persons are directed to our Global Offices page.
 
© 2010 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, member SIPC. All rights reserved.