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
Estate Planning and Baseball
Every state that recognizes trusts as legal entities imposes fiduciary duties upon the Trustee of such trusts. These duties may have different names in different jurisdictions, but ultimately a breach of fiduciary duties means that the Trustee failed … [Read more...] about Estate Planning and Baseball
Proper Estate Planning Brings Peace of Mind During a Disaster
Estate planning isn’t just about securing your legacy—it’s about protecting your assets and loved ones when disaster strikes. Updating an outdated Estate Plan or creating a new one provides a set of instructions for your family regarding what you … [Read more...] about Proper Estate Planning Brings Peace of Mind During a Disaster
Litigation…a Necessary Evil?
Anyone creating an Estate Plan wants to ensure that the plan will work as intended and will withstand legal challenges. Sometimes though, beneficiaries need to bring a legal contest to enforce the terms of the decedent’s plan and force fiduciaries to … [Read more...] about Litigation…a Necessary Evil?
What the Trump Administration Could Mean for Your Estate Plan
Any time a new administration takes the Oval Office, clients call upon Estate Planning attorneys to provide assurances and guidance regarding what’s going to happen. As one administration leaves and another enters, many clients become nervous about … [Read more...] about What the Trump Administration Could Mean for Your Estate Plan
Now is a Good Time for a Donor Advised Fund
As year-end approaches, many individuals look for ways to lower their income tax burden. Charitable contributions allow individuals to offset a portion of their income, but not all charitable contributions are created equally, and each has certain … [Read more...] about Now is a Good Time for a Donor Advised Fund
Pumpkin Kisses and Harvest Wishes
As the spooky season transitions into the season of Thanksgiving, it’s important to remember our why. Most of us do what we do for our families and loved ones. As the holiday season approaches, do something that will have a lasting impact on your … [Read more...] about Pumpkin Kisses and Harvest Wishes
Estate Planning: There’s Something Here for Everyone – Part II
Some individuals create a Revocable Trust, pour-over Will, Property Power of Attorney, Health Care Power of Attorney, Living Will, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Authorization Act and think that those documents alone constitute a … [Read more...] about Estate Planning: There’s Something Here for Everyone – Part II
Tread Carefully with Specific Bequests
Parents often decide to leave one child a specific asset and provide an equalizing cash bequest to the other. This article explores how specific bequests may provide unintended results. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Tread Carefully with Specific Bequests
Estate Planning, Retirement, and Gratitude
Retirement and estate planning are both related to gratitude. I’m retiring after 23 years with the Academy. The Academy and its Members have made me a better lawyer, a better teacher, and a better person. Whether you are retiring or doing estate … [Read more...] about Estate Planning, Retirement, and Gratitude
