Estate Planning: 3 Reasons We Run the Other Way
We understand that it feels hard to get around to estate planning; it sounds about as fun as getting a root canal. However, we also understand that we all want to make sure that our [...]
Wills, Trusts & Dying Intestate: How They Differ
Most people understand that having some sort of an estate plan is, as Martha Stewart would say, a “good thing.” However, many of us don’t take the steps to get that estate plan in place [...]
Wills vs. Trusts: A Quick & Simple Reference Guide
Confused about the differences between wills and trusts? If so, you’re not alone. While it’s always wise to contact experts like us, it’s also important to understand the basics. Here’s a quick and simple reference [...]
10 Types of Trusts: A Quick Look
Considering the myriad of trusts available, creating an estate plan that works can seem daunting. However, that’s what we, as estate planning attorneys, do every day. We know the laws and will design a plan [...]
Revocable Trust vs. Irrevocable Trust: Which Is Best for You?
Trusts allow you to avoid probate, minimize taxes, provide organization, maintain control, and provide for yourself and your heirs. In its most simple terms, a trust is a book of instructions wherein you tell your [...]
3 Mega-Celebrities Who Died Without A Will: Do Not Follow In Their Footsteps!
A will documents who gets what (and when) after you die. Without a will, state law doles out your belongings. In many cases, your assets may end up in the hands of complete strangers. That’s [...]
Celebrities Who Failed To Recognize Unborn Children in Their Wills: A Teachable Lesson
Having an estate plan that protects and provides for your loved ones is not only smart, it’s necessary. Without one, your family, friends, or the charitable organizations you wish to provide for may not receive [...]
Sonny Bono’s Procrastination in Creating a Will Led to Years of Estate Battles
Sonny Bono, the singer, songwriter, restauranteur, and former Congressman, died in a tragic ski accident in 1998 at the age of 62. His net worth was just under $2 million at the time of his [...]
Flo Jo’s Tragic Mistake: A Missing Will
If you’ve created a will, congratulations! You have made your intentions clear to the world and have provided for your loved ones based on what you determined was best. One caveat, and Rule #1 when [...]
The IRS Took Half of Tony Soprano’s Estate: Don’t Fall into the Same Trap!
Actor and producer, James Gandolfini was famously known as the likeable mafia man Tony Soprano on the long running cable television series, The Sopranos. On the show, family meant everything. Well, sort of, anyway. In [...]
James Brown’s “Vague” Estate Plan Forced Family into Years of Litigation
James Brown, the legendary singer, songwriter, record producer, dancer, and bandleader was known to many as the “Godfather of Soul.” Although he intended his estimated $100 million estate to provide for all of his children [...]
Dennis Hopper Saves Heirs with Last Minute Estate Plan Changes
Dennis Hopper, known for his role in Easy Rider, wanted to leave his fortune to his family. Well, not everyone in his family. Hopper made numerous estate planning changes in the last months of his [...]
Big Bang Theory Star’s “Ironclad” Prenup Challenged: How Does Yours Compare?
The Big Bang Theory actress Kaley Cuoco is one of the highest paid actresses on television. She earns one million dollars per episode and has a net worth of $44 million. Before she married tennis [...]
Over 70% of Elvis Presley’s Estate Paid in Taxes & Fees: How Can You Avoid the Same Trap?
Did you know that the legendary singer and actor, Elvis Presley, earned over a billion dollars throughout his somewhat short career? That’s billion – with a B. However, when the “King of Rock & Roll” [...]
Are Handwritten Intentions Enforceable? Princess Diana Thought So…
Princess Diana of Wales was one of the world’s most loved celebrities – and one of the richest. Her tragic death in 1997 was world news. The majority of her estate, reportedly worth $40 million [...]
Doris Duke’s Trustee Bilked Estate for $1M: How Well Do You Know Yours?
Choosing a trustee is a very personal matter and should never be left to chance. Doris Duke, heiress of Duke’s energy and tobacco fortunes, didn’t seem to know her trustee very well at all. After [...]
Did Whitney Houston Leave Too Much Money To Bobbi Kristina?
Whitney Houston’s estate was worth approximately $20 million when she died – plenty to meet the needs of her only daughter – Bobbi Kristina. Sadly, only a few years after Houston’s death, Bobbi Kristina died [...]