Art often imitates life and the latest drama surrounding Rupert Murdoch demonstrates that. Most of the time, when an individual creates an irrevocable trust, they part with dominion and control over the assets, and it is difficult to change the terms. Not long ago, Rupert Murdoch filed a petition in Nevada probate court to change the terms of an irrevocable trust that was originally created in 1999. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about A Message from the Murdochs
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Who Can You Turn to When Your Brother Doesn’t Do His Job?
Most Estate Planning attorneys will tell you that creating an Estate Plan helps prevent litigation after death. That statement needs a caveat. Most of the time, a properly created Estate Plan will prevent litigation. As this article demonstrates, sometimes, even with an Estate Plan, the family ends up in litigation. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Who Can You Turn to When Your Brother Doesn’t Do His Job?
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 planning, don’t forget to express your gratitude to those who have made a difference in your life. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Estate Planning, Retirement, and Gratitude
Avoiding an Audit
The Internal Revenue Service recently released its Strategic Operating Plan. In that plan, the Service indicated that it planned to conduct more audits, especially on the wealthiest taxpayers. Hearing that you are facing an audit is enough to strike fear into even the most stoic of individuals. No one is immune from audit; however, taxpayers following certain steps are less likely to be audited than those who don’t. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Avoiding an Audit
Courts Allowing More Flexible Trust Amendments
As much as I enjoy writing about celebrity Estate Planning gone wrong, and less often, right, occasionally, a court opinion catches my attention. That’s particularly true when the decision will have lasting implications for Estate Planning. This blog returns to the basic lessons about amending a Trust. In an increasingly litigious world, disgruntled beneficiaries feel emboldened to fight for what they think is theirs. It doesn’t always work out in their favor, especially when they base their … [Read more...] about Courts Allowing More Flexible Trust Amendments
What Independence Day Teaches Us About Estate Planning
The 4th of July reminds people of the flag, freedom, and fireworks! As our nation’s birthday approaches, we should reflect upon what freedom means to us. Creating an Estate Plan provides a level of individual freedom – a peace of mind regarding your family’s well-being and the legacy that you leave for them once you are gone. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about What Independence Day Teaches Us About Estate Planning
The “Juice” and an Executor’s Duties
Certain individuals have a knack for making headlines. Orenthal James Simpson was one of those people. He first made headlines for his talent on the football field. Later, he made them as an actor and broadcaster. In 1994, he made headlines when he was arrested for the murder of his former wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ronald Goldman. Orenthal James Simpson died on April 10, 2024, and with his death, his presumed Executor made headlines, perhaps for the last time for the “Juice.” … [Read more...] about The “Juice” and an Executor’s Duties
The Purple Onion…an ode to Tangible Personal Property
More than one estate has boiled down to a fight over tangible personal property. Sometimes even if it lacks monetary value, it holds tremendous emotional significance for the beneficiaries. Maybe they remember Mom wearing a string of fake pearls or the no-name watch that Dad wore with pride. Things become more heated; however, when tangible personal property has value. Passing it on to beneficiaries requires a plan both during life and after death. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about The Purple Onion…an ode to Tangible Personal Property
What You Should Know About Conditional Gifts
Grantors like the idea of placing conditions upon a gift. In many ways, it’s the final opportunity to exert control or influence on the beneficiary. Most courts try to uphold the conditions as long as they are not void as against public policy or otherwise illegal or immoral. This article explores what happens when a Trustee fails to strictly enforce the conditions placed upon a bequest. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about What You Should Know About Conditional Gifts
What Taylor Swift Can Teach Us About Estate Planning
Regardless of your feelings about her music, her attendance at National Football League games, or anything else related to the popstar, it’s hard to argue that Taylor Swift isn’t a cultural phenomenon. In 2023, Taylor launched a multi-city tour that broke records for attendance, sales, merchandising, and gross revenue; the Federal Reserve credited her with boosting the country’s economy; and Time magazine named her Person of the Year. While interesting, these statistics only tell part of the … [Read more...] about What Taylor Swift Can Teach Us About Estate Planning
