Earlier this week I was preparing for a seminar and came across an article regarding Prince (born “Prince Rogers Nelson”) which got me “Delirious” over his Estate. A small idea took root and as I researched, I discovered that despite the near decade that has passed since his death, Prince’s Estate remains a “Controversy.” Just this week, his former protegee and co-star in the 1984 film, Purple Rain, Apollonia (Patty Kotero) sued Paisley Park Enterprises, LLC accusing the company of using … [Read more...] about “Let’s Go Crazy” … Over Prince’s Estate
legal education
How Specific Devises Impact Inheritance
Sometimes even the best laid plans do not work out. Most everyone has certain goals in mind for their Estate Plan, including detailed disposition of their assets upon death. Often, these goals reflect long-standing plans to reward a beneficiary for their devotion to the business or even to follow through on a promise to gift a particular asset to a beneficiary. The ideas may seem straight-forward; however, these simple bequests can prove difficult, if not impossible, to implement if the assets … [Read more...] about How Specific Devises Impact Inheritance
National Make-a-Will Month
I can’t believe it’s August and that means “National Make-a-Will Month.” Learning of August’s title as National Make a Will month after leaving private practice stunned me. As an Estate Planning professional, I embrace dedicating a month to encouraging individuals to make a Will. I will endeavor to spread the word to as many Trusts and Estates Practitioners and centers of influence as possible.According to a recent report issued by Trust and Will, a mere 31% of Americans have a Will and just … [Read more...] about National Make-a-Will Month
Graduation . . . What’s Next?
Summer brings longer days, hotter temperatures, thoughts of vacation, and graduation parties. For those hosting graduation parties, or for those in whose honor those parties are held, it’s an opportune time to consider Estate Planning. Many high school graduates head off to college in the autumn and these newly minted adults need to have some of the most basic Estate Planning documents in place before their departure. Although some clients put off Estate Planning for themselves, sometimes it’s … [Read more...] about Graduation . . . What’s Next?
No More Cheeseburgers in Paradise
I will never forget the joy I felt in mastering the clever lyrics to Jimmy Buffett’s “Cheeseburger in Paradise:” “I like mine with lettuce and tomato, Heinz 57, and french-fried potatoes…big kosher pickle…” Don’t forget that onion slice, add some mayonnaise and that’s the recipe for one tasty burger. Unfortunately, when creating his Estate Plan, Jimmy Buffett named his wife and financial manager as co-Trustees, producing a recipe for disaster rather than his usual “frozen concoction.” Let’s … [Read more...] about No More Cheeseburgers in Paradise
In Loving Memory of All the Pets Who Have Crossed the Rainbow Bridge
It’s said that dogs are man’s best friend, and with the unconditional love and comfort they provide daily, it’s easy to see why. Our pets communicate in non-verbal ways only and in my mind that makes the loss of their person harder for them to process. Thus, if you have pets, this blog’s for you.An Estate Plan serves as a set of instructions regarding how you want your affairs handled if something happens to you. The plan sends a message to your loved ones that you care and … [Read more...] about In Loving Memory of All the Pets Who Have Crossed the Rainbow Bridge
A Message from the Murdochs – Part II
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 discuss the benefits of creating and reviewing an Estate Plan regularly. Simply put, none of us should leave our legacy to chance. Not long ago, I wrote about the Murdoch family and the latest drama surrounding them in A Message from the Murdochs. Recently, a friend sent me a link to a New … [Read more...] about A Message from the Murdochs – Part II
Proper Estate Planning Brings Peace of Mind During a Disaster
In 2024, there were 27 major disasters including hurricanes, floods, and wildfires. This year has begun in much the same way with wildfires ravaging parts of California. During any crisis, people tend to feel an increased sense of anxiety and a decreased sense of control. These normal reactions underscore the importance of planning for calamities in whatever form they take. This includes reviewing your Estate Plan to ensure accuracy and completeness. A basic Estate Plan mandates what happens … [Read more...] about Proper Estate Planning Brings Peace of Mind During a Disaster
Estate Planning and Baseball
I recently received an e-mail soliciting feedback on Estate Planning and baseball. I discovered that Sheel Kamal Seidler (“Sheel”), the widow of San Diego Padres (“Padres”) owner, Peter Seidler (“Peter”), filed a lawsuit in Texas accusing her brothers-in-law, Robert Seidler (“Robert”) and Matthew Seidler (“Matthew”), of various misdeeds in handling Peter’s Estate and Trust. Peter had an interesting story. He was one of ten children born to Roland Seidler and Terry O’Malley Seidler. Peter’s … [Read more...] about Estate Planning and Baseball
What the Trump Administration Could Mean for Your Estate Plan
What the Trump Administration Could Mean for Your Estate PlanThe election has concluded giving former President and now President-Elect Donald J. Trump control of the White House come January. The Republican Party will have a majority in the Senate. As of the writing of this blog, they have 53 seats with one race uncalled. The Republican Party also leads the Democratic Party in seats in the House of Representatives, now controlling 219 seats with 3 races uncalled. Given these numbers, the … [Read more...] about What the Trump Administration Could Mean for Your Estate Plan
