News

Umbrella insurance: Protection for that nest egg

By Anna Helhoski, NerdWallet

USA TODAY

Published: December 27 2014

A retirement nest egg may make you feel like you’ve locked down your financial future, but don’t get too comfortable. Getting hit with a liability lawsuit in your retirement years could turn your life upside down. >>> read more

 

Downbeat Legacy for James Brown, Godfather of Soul: A Will in Dispute

By LARRY ROHTER and STEVE KNOPPER

The New York Times

Published: December 13 2014

Nearly eight years after James Brown died, his disputed will remains mired in lawsuits, and a trust set up for needy children has yet to aid its intended recipients. >>> read more

 

The Ins and Outs of Trusts That Last Forever

By Paul Sullivan

The New York Times

Published: December 5 2014

MOST people struggle to plan their financial futures beyond the next decade, while those with money and foresight are likely to think well in advance about what they want to leave their children, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren. But what about planning for eternity? It seems too long to contemplate. >>> read more

The Trouble With Trustees

By Liz Moyer

The Wall Street Journal

Published: November 21, 2014

Beneficiaries Can Clash With Trust Officials. Here’s How to Manage a Delicate Relationship. >>> read more

When Heirs Collide

By Liz Moyer

The Wall Street Journal

Published: September 26, 2014

Fights Over Estates Can Tear Families Apart. Here Are Guidelines for Keeping the Peace. >>> read more

What’s Almost as Certain as Death? Not Talking About the Inheritance

By Paul Sullivan

The New York Times

Published: August 2, 2014

Experts are urging people to overcome their hesitation and discuss with their heirs the plans for allocating assets. >>> read more

Unequal Inheritances May Ignite Family Squabbles

By Paul Sullivan

The New York Times

Published: June 20, 2014hen an estate is parceled out in unequal shares, family members can turn on one another and no one benefits except the lawyers. >>> read more

In Estate Planning, Family Isn’t Always First

By Caitlin Kelly The New York Times Published: May 2, 2014

For older people without children, stepchildren or grandchildren, the decision can be even more complex. >>> read more

When to ‘Decant’ a Trust

By Liz Moyer

The Wall Street Journal

Published: January 3, 2014

It’s getting easier to tinker with irrevocable trusts. Here’s how it works..   >>> read more

How to Avoid an Estate Battle After You Die

By Paul Sullivan

The New York Times

Published: June 14, 2013

It might seem that a woman who died at 104 after spending 20 years in a hospital despite being healthy enough to live in one of her three stately homes, accumulated a vast collection of dolls and preferred to communicate in French even though her father had been a United States senator would have little to teach the rest of us.   >>> read more

Bequeathing the Keys to Your Digital Afterlife

By Anne Eisenberg

The New York Times

May 25, 2013

It’s tough enough to write an ordinary will, deciding how to pass along worldly goods like your savings, your real estate and that treasured rocking chair from Aunt Martha in the living room. But you may want to provide for your virtual goods, too.   >>> read more

The Talk You Didn’t Have With Your Parents Could Cost You

By Tara Siegel Bernard

The New York Times

May 24, 2013

If you haven’t had a conversation with your parents about handling their financial affairs after they die, Krysten Crawford’s tale may spring you into action.   >>> read more

Make your heirs happy: Update your will

By Elizabeth O’Brien

The Wall Street Journal MarketWatch

May 8, 2013

Outdated estate-plan paperwork can be a wealth-killer. When was the last time you looked at your will? If you can’t remember, it is time for a review. Having outdated legal documents, such as a will or power of attorney, can wreak havoc on your health and your family’s wealth.   >>> read more

He Left a Fortune, to No One

By Julie Satow

The New York Times

April 27, 2013

Perhaps the greatest mystery surrounding Mr. Blum is why a successful developer, who built hundreds of houses around Staten Island and left behind an estate valued at almost $40 million, would die without a will.  >>> read more

Providing For Your Pets In The Event of Your Death or Hospitalization

Committee on Animal Law

March 2013

For many people, particularly the elderly, a pet is an important and comforting part of life, and the care and well -being of the pet is a primary concern. This is particularly soin the event of a pet owner’s death or hospitalization. This is a summary of measures that should be taken to plan for the care of a pet.   >>> read more

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