When someone dies in Louisiana without a will—or even with one that doesn’t clearly assign property—multiple heirs often inherit undivided interests in real estate. While it might sound fair on paper, this arrangement can quickly become a legal and … [Read more...] about The Trouble with Undivided Property: Why Co-Owned Inheritance Often Leads to Conflict
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Blended Families and Forced Heirship: Estate Planning Traps in Second Marriages
Estate planning can be complicated in any family, but it becomes particularly challenging in blended families—especially in Louisiana, where forced heirship and unique community property laws create additional legal hurdles. Many people enter second … [Read more...] about Blended Families and Forced Heirship: Estate Planning Traps in Second Marriages
When a Business Partner Dies Without a Succession Plan
The Overlooked Risk in Business Partnerships Business owners often invest considerable time and money into building their enterprise, but many overlook a major vulnerability: what happens to the business when one partner dies? In Louisiana, the … [Read more...] about When a Business Partner Dies Without a Succession Plan
In Loving Memory of All the Pets Who Have Crossed the Rainbow Bridge
The grief of putting my dog down got me wondering about how animals process grief and how much harder it may be for them since they lack the ability to put their feelings into words the way that humans can. Thus, the idea for this blog focusing on … [Read more...] about In Loving Memory of All the Pets Who Have Crossed the Rainbow Bridge
Estate Planning for Unclaimed Property and Forgotten Assets in Louisiana
Estate planning is all about clarity—ensuring your wishes are known, your loved ones are protected, and your assets are passed on smoothly. But what happens when some of your assets are overlooked? In Louisiana, unclaimed property is more common than … [Read more...] about Estate Planning for Unclaimed Property and Forgotten Assets in Louisiana
Forced Heirship and Family Businesses in Louisiana: Protecting Continuity Amid Legal Obligations
Estate planning for a family business is already a delicate balancing act. But in Louisiana, where unique legal doctrines like forced heirship apply, that balance becomes even more critical. Unlike most other states, Louisiana law limits how freely … [Read more...] about Forced Heirship and Family Businesses in Louisiana: Protecting Continuity Amid Legal Obligations
The Big Lesson from Tony Bennett’s Embattled Estate and Troubled Trust
When one child occupies a position of trust with a parent to the exclusion of other siblings, that causes friction. Extending that position of power after death exacerbates that friction and may cause irreparable harm. It seems that … [Read more...] about The Big Lesson from Tony Bennett’s Embattled Estate and Troubled Trust
A Hole in Hackman’s Plan
Eugene Allen Hackman enjoyed a prolific acting career that spanned several decades. In a bizarre sequence of events, seemingly ripped from a movie script, his death raised questions and exposed some flaws in both his end-of-life planning and his … [Read more...] about A Hole in Hackman’s Plan
A Message from the Murdochs – Part II
As a reformed Trusts and Estates attorney, I have an unusual fascination with celebrity estates, especially those gone wrong. Using those estates as instructive lessons regarding how to avoid disaster has provided many a topic for this blog. I often … [Read more...] about A Message from the Murdochs – Part II
Estate Planning for Families with Dual Citizenship: Navigating Cross-Border Legal Challenges
Estate planning is already a complex process, but for families with dual citizenship, the challenges become even more intricate. Having assets in multiple countries, being subject to different legal systems, and facing potential double taxation can … [Read more...] about Estate Planning for Families with Dual Citizenship: Navigating Cross-Border Legal Challenges
