Sample Exam 1 Flashcards
Which of the following is not a transfer cost associated with estate planning?
A) Document preparation
B) Attorney’s fees
C) CPA’s fees
D) Insurance premiums
The correct answer is (D).
Insurance premiums are not a transfer cost associated with estate planning. All of the other answers are costs associated with estate planning.
You are opening a new financial planning practice and you would like to put together a team of experts to help your clients with estate planning. Which of the following groups represents the best team to help your clients?
A) Financial planner, CPA, and attorney.
B) CPA, psychiatrist, and insurance salesman.
C) Financial planner, attorney, and real estate agent.
D) Attorney, insurance salesman, and IRS agent.
The correct answer is (A).
The best team for your client would include a financial planner, CPA, and attorney. A licensed insurance specialist and real estate agent are also good additions to an estate planning team, but the team described in statement (A) covers all of the required aspects of an estate planning team: financial planning, tax planning, and legal representation.
LO 1.3
Although he has a vast fortune, Ricky has decided not to prepare an estate plan because he believes that his surviving family members will divide up his assets appropriately. Which of the following is not a risk associated with failing to plan an estate?
A) Ricky’s estate could incur excessive transfer taxes.
B) Ricky’s favorite Corvette may not be transferred to his ex-wife, Carla.
C) Ricky’s insurance policy on his own life may not be paid out to the named
beneficiary.
D) Ricky’s current wife, Lucille, may not provide for Ricky’s children from a previous marriage
The correct answer is (C).
The proceeds of insurance policies with named beneficiaries pass outside of probate via state contract law. Ricky’s failure to plan his estate will not affect the payment of his insurance policy.
LO 1.1
Tracey is a financial planner who recently received his CFP® designation. Tracey does not have any other designations or licenses. Although Tracey’s expertise is investment planning, he is anxious to expand his client base and is willing to assist clients with any area of financial planning. Over the last month, Tracey engaged in the following activities with Troy, a new client.
I. During the initial meeting, Tracey collected personal data about Troy, including the estate planning documents Troy had previously executed.
II. During the second meeting, Tracey recommended the use of a trust to fulfill some of Troy’s estate planning goals.
III. Troy called Tracey one afternoon and asked if Tracey could explain the probate process to him, which Tracey promptly did.
IV. Tracey downloaded a copy of a generic will from the internet, filled in Troy’s information and gave the document to Troy to be executed.
Of the activities above, which would be considered the unauthorized practice of law?
A) IV only
B) II and III
C) III and IV
D) II, III, and IV
E) I, II, III, and IV
The correct answer is (A).
Only statement four would be considered the unauthorized practice of law. The drafting of legal documents is reserved for attorneys. Inquiring about estate planning documents should be completed by all practitioners. Recommending appropriate estate planning devices, such as trusts, can be done by financial planners. Explaining the probate process to a client would not be the unauthorized practice of law; the line would be crossed if Tracey gave legal advice regarding the probate process.
LO 1.3
Which of the following is not a common estate planning goal?
A) Maximizing transfer costs.
B) Minimizing transfer taxes.
C) Providing for liquidity at death.
D) Fulfilling client’s healthcare decisions.
The correct answer is (A).
Maximizing transfer costs is not an estate planning goal. Transfer costs should be minimized to the greatest extent possible, while also fulfilling the client’s goals. All of the other answers are common estate planning goals.
LO 1.1
Of the following, who should generally be a member of the estate planning team?
I. Investment Advisor
II. Trustee
III. Insurance agent
IV. Attorney
A) I and II
B) I, III, and IV
C) I, II, and III
D) I, II, III, and IV
The correct answer is (B).
A trustee is not a member of the estate planning team, because the trustee’s responsibility is not to advise the client about forming the estate plan but to carry out the terms of the trust document.
LO 1.3
You are a CFP® professional and although you never went to law school, you consider yourself to be very good at reviewing wills. Your client, Catherine, asks you to prepare a will for her. Should you prepare a will for Catherine?
A) Yes, Catherine is your best client and you might lose her if you do not prepare the will.
B) Yes, it is permissible for a CFP® professional to prepare a legal document.
C) No, preparing Catherine’s will would be considered the unauthorized practice of law.
D) No, you should only prepare Catherine’s will if you are going to be a beneficiary under the will.
The correct answer is (C).
Drafting legal documents, such as wills, is an activity reserved for licensed attorneys. If you are not a licensed attorney and you prepare a legal document, you have engaged in the unauthorized practice of law.
LO 1.3
Which of the following statements is not true regarding the need for an estate plan?
A) A wealthy, successful business owner who wants to pass his business to his children would have complex estate planning needs.
B) The sole breadwinner in a family would need an estate plan with significant life and disability insurance coverage.
C) A single individual with no family who does not own any assets and lives paycheck to paycheck would not need an estate plan.
D) An 80-year old with 5 adult children and 4 grandchildren who just married his third wife would require estate planning for blended families.
The correct answer is (C).
Even individuals without significant assets need an estate plan. The individual in Statement (C) would still need healthcare planning and an executor to oversee his or her final burial wishes. Statement (A) would need an estate plan to determine how to transfer his business in the most cost-efficient manner and minimize estate taxes. Statement (B) would need an estate plan to ensure the individual has sufficient life, long-term care, and disability insurance. Statement (D) would need an estate plan because issues with protection of inheritance often arise in blended families.
Which of the following is correct regarding a power of attorney?
A) The principal is the individual that is granted decision-making power.
B) A guardian ad litem is an agent of the principal.
C) The agent is the person granting the power.
D) The attorney who prepares the document is the power of attorney.
The correct answer is (B).
The parties to a power of attorney are the principal and the agent. A guardian ad litem is an agent acting on behalf of the principal for a specific purpose (usually a minor child in this instance). Statement (A) is incorrect because the principal is the individual who is granting the power to the agent to make decisions or act on their behalf. Statement (C) is incorrect because the principal is the person granting the power. Statement (D) is incorrect because the attorney is simply serving an administrative function to execute the document.
LO 2.3
Which of the following individuals died testate?
A) Manuel met with his attorney and prepared a will, leaving all of his assets to charity shortly before his death from a heart attack.
B) Paula wrote an email to her children before her death, designating which children would receive specific property when she died.
C) Frank notified his attorney before his death in writing that he was satisfied with all of his property going to his wife and children, so he had no need for a will.
D) Kayla, a stay at home mother, did not prepare a will before she died because she owned no assets in her name.
The correct answer is (A).
Even though Manual left all of his assets to charity, his will was valid, so he died testate. The other answers describe individuals who died intestate (without a valid will). Statement (B) is incorrect because an email is not satisfactory as a valid will. Statements (C) and (D) are not correct because even though in both cases the individuals did not believe they needed a will, they failed to create one before their deaths.
LO 2.2
Nellie recently executed a power of attorney giving Jessie the power to perform certain tasks. Which of the following powers given to Jessie would cause the power to be deemed a general power of appointment?
A) Nellie gave Jessie the power to use Nellie’s money to pay Nellie’s creditors.
B) Nellie gave Jessie the power to sell and buy property on Nellie’s behalf.
C) Nellie gave Jessie the power to use Nellie’s money to pay Jessie’s creditors.
D) Nellie gave Jessie the power to make gifts to Nellie’s heirs and charities.
The correct answer is (C).
Giving Jessie the power to pay his own creditors creates a general power of appointment over the assets. The other powers do not benefit Jessie and thus do not create a general power of appointment.
LO 2.3
Margie has come to you and said that she is considering executing a power of attorney for health care or an advance medical directive (also known as a living will). Although her state utilizes both documents, she believes that she only needs one of these documents. Which of the following statements is true regarding the two documents?
A) Margie is correct in believing that an individual does not need both documents, she only needs to execute one document because they both accomplish the same goals.
B) Margie should execute both documents as they cover different aspects of medical care.
C) Margie only needs to execute the power of attorney for health care, because it covers everything the advance medical directive covers and more.
D) Margie does not need to execute either document; she can solve her medical concerns by executing a DNR.
The correct answer is (B).
The documents address different medical care concerns. A power of attorney authorizes an agent to make decisions about her medical care, but generally does not address the ending of life-sustaining treatment. The living will addresses the ending of life-sustaining treatment, but not the providing of medical care. A DNR is not a replacement for the other two documents; it is an additional document that addresses the prevention of resuscitation in the event of heart failure for a terminally ill patient.
LO 2.4
Which type of will is handwritten and does not generally require a witness?
A) Holographic
B) Oral
C) Nuncupative
D) Statutory
The correct answer is (A).
Holographic wills are handwritten. The material provisions of the will must be in the testator’s handwriting. The will must be dated and signed by the testator, and does not generally need to be witnessed.
LO 2.1
Elizabeth has drafted her own will using the “EZ Wills” software that she purchased on the internet. She sends it to you for a review. In your first review of the will, you look for which of the following common provisions?
A) A statement of the domicile of the testator
B) A secondary clause
C) A specific bequest of property owned in tenancy by the entirety
D) A disclosure clause
The correct answer is (A).
A statement of the domicile of the testator is a provision that is commonly found in a will and establishes the jurisdiction for the will to be administered. Neither a secondary clause nor a disclosure clause exists. Property owned in tenancy by the entirety transfers by operation of law and is not disposed of through a will.
LO 2.1
Why is a springing durable power of attorney useful?
A) In the event that the principal becomes disabled, the power of attorney will automatically become ineffective.
B) It allows the principal to choose an agent to make decisions on her behalf if she becomes unable to do so.
C) It ensures the decedent’s property will be distributed according to her wishes.
D) It provides medical professionals with detailed instructions on the disabled individual’s wishes for medical care.
The correct answer is (B).
A springing durable power of attorney becomes effective only when the principal becomes disabled, and lasts as long as the disability. Statement (A) is incorrect because the durable nature of the power of attorney ensures that it remains valid through the principal’s disability. Statement (C) is incorrect because this is referring to a will; the power of attorney can make decisions regarding the decedent’s property that may or may not align with the decedent’s wishes. Statement (D) is incorrect because this is referring to a living will.
LO 2.3
Which of the following is an advantage of dying intestate?
A) Liquidity can be easily generated by selling small business ownership interests.
B) Estate property can be designated to charity and friends.
C) Minor children and surviving spouses will get priority with distributing estate assets.
D) Only the very wealthy need estate planning services, so money can be saved by avoiding the creation of a will.
The correct answer is (C).
State intestacy laws distribute most or all of an estate to the surviving spouse and minor children. Statement (A) is incorrect because small businesses are not easily liquidated and may be liquidated for much less than fair market value. Statement (B) is incorrect because intestacy laws only allow for distribution to family members. Statement (D) is incorrect because most people need estate planning services to ensure their wishes are protected and transfer costs are minimized.
LO 2.2
Robert has a falling out with his adult children and wants to “write them out of his will.” Which of the following is an effective means of fulfilling Robert’s wishes?
A) Robert throws his old will into a fire and writes a new will leaving everything to charity.
B) Robert sends his children a certified letter telling them they have been disinherited.
C) Robert directs his attorney to call each of his children to tell them they have been disinherited.
D) Robert calls his attorney and tells her that he wants to disinherit his children.
The correct answer is (A).
A will can be revoked by physically destroying the will. None of the other answers would effectively revoke Robert’s will.
LO 2.1
Ralphie, a real estate mogul, dies owning a great deal of real property. Which of the following would be included in Ralphie’s probate estate?
A) A building owned in sole ownership by Ralphie’s wife. Ralphie and his wife do not live in a community property state.
B) A vacant lot owned joint tenancy with rights of survivorship by Ralphie and his brother.
C) A beach house owned tenancy in common by Ralphie and his mother.
D) An office building owned tenancy by the entirety by Ralphie and his wife.
The correct answer is (C).
Statement (A) is incorrect because the property of Ralphie’s wife would not be included in his probate estate. Statement (B) is incorrect because property owned JTWROS passes outside of probate. Statement (D) is incorrect because property owned tenancy by the entirety passes outside of probate.
LO 3.4
Which of the following accurately describes a life estate?
A) An interest in property for a specified number of years.
B) An interest in property that ceases upon the death of an individual.
C) An undivided interest in property held by two or more related or unrelated persons.
D) A complete interest in property with all the rights associated with outright ownership.
The correct answer is (B).
Statement (B) is the definition of a life estate. Statement (A) is the definition of an interest for a term. Statement (C) is the definition of tenancy in common. Statement (D) is the definition of fee simple.
LO 3.3
An aunt and her nephew own a rental property as tenants in common valued at $200,000. The aunt owns an 80% interest and her nephew owns a 20% interest. The aunt is elderly and in failing health. She wants to sell the property to get cash to pay off her medical bills. What impact will her sale have on her nephew?
A) The nephew will have to agree to the sale.
B) The aunt can sell 100% of the property and reimburse the nephew for his loss.
C) The nephew will become co-tenants with the person the aunt sells to.
D) The nephew will lose his right of survivorship.
The correct answer is (C).
Statement (C) is correct because the aunt can sell her interest to another individual, who becomes a co-tenant. Statement (A) is incorrect because a tenant in common does not need permission from the other tenants to dispose of their property interest. Statement (B) is incorrect because the aunt cannot sell a greater share of the property than she owns. Statement (D) is incorrect because there is no right of survivorship with tenancy in common.
LO 3.2
Laurie and Chance are considering purchasing a piece of land on which they plan to build a vacation home. Laurie and Chance are engaged to be married, and are unsure of how they should title the property. Which of the following statements is correct regarding their ownership and titling of the land?
A) Laurie and Chance cannot own the property as joint tenants because joint tenancies may only be established between married parties.
B) If Laurie and Chance were married and owned the property in tenancy by the entirety, one-half of the value of the property will be included in the probate estate of the first spouse to die without regard to the actual contribution of each spouse.
C) If the property is held as a joint tenancy with right of survivorship then Laurie and Chance will each own the same fractional share in the property regardless of how much they contribute.
D) If the property is held as a joint tenancy with right of survivorship and Chance dies first, the property will pass to Laurie unless Chance’s will directs a different disposition.
The correct answer is (C).
Joint tenancy with right of survivorship requires equal ownership. Statement (A) is incorrect because joint tenancies may be established by spouses or non-spouses. Statement (B) is incorrect because in tenancies by the entirety, each would be deemed to have contributed 50%, therefore only 50% would be included in the gross estate of the first spouse to die. Nothing will be included in the probate estate. Statement (D) is incorrect because if the property is held as JTWROS, then the property will transfer automatically at the first tenant’s death, regardless of what the will dictates.
LO 3.2
Kathi and Darrin, who are married, live in a community property state. They purchased the home 17 years ago for $100,000 using joint funds. After many improvements and a surge in the market, the home is now worth $200,000. If Darrin died today and left his share of the home to his daughter Elizabeth, what is Kathi’s basis in the home?
A) $50,000.
B) $100,000.
C) $150,000.
D) $200,000.
The correct answer is (B).
Kathi’s one-half interest in the home will have a basis of $100,000 due to a step-to fair market value of both halves at Darrin’s death because the property is owned as community property. Their daughter will receive her half of the home with step up basis as well.
LO 3.2
Chris and Jenn gave their son, Evan, a car worth $4,000. The car was originally owned by Chris and Jenn as community property. Evan is married to Michelle and lives in a community property state. After the gift, how is Evan’s ownership of the car classified?
A) Sole Ownership
B) Joint tenants with Chris and Jenn
C) Tenancy in Common with Michelle
D) Community Property with Michelle
The correct answer is (A).
The car is owned by Chris as sole owner. Statement (B) is incorrect because there is no indication that Chris or Jenn retained any interest in the car after the gift. Statement (C) is incorrect because the gift was made only to Evan. Statement (D) is incorrect because even though Evan is married, a gift to an individual would not be community property.
LO 3.2
Natalie and Ashley own farm land as Joint Tenants with Rights of Survivorship. Natalie contributed $60,000 and Ashley contributed $40,000. The land is currently valued at $1,000,000. If Natalie died today, what amount of the value of the farm land would be included in her gross estate?
A) $60,000.
B) $500,000.
C) $600,000.
D) $1,000,000.
The correct answer is (C).
Even though the ownership shares are equal in JTWROS, the actual contribution rule is followed for inclusion in the gross estate for unmarried tenants. Therefore, since Natalie contributed 60% of the property, her estate will include 60% of the Fair Market Value (60% x $1,000,000 = $600,000).

