When Trust is Broken: Elder Abuse Within Families

Families sometimes steal from one another. Too often, the scenario involves an aging — perhaps cognitively impaired — person who relies on a close relative for support. This year, I encountered such a case involving a longtime client. Her child, the person she depended on most, placed her in a care facility, sold her home, […]

Paradise Lost: The Jimmy Buffett Estate Battle

Jimmy Buffett was known for his laid-back musical style and “Margaritaville” state of mind. Unfortunately, his legacy has become anything but chill, as his widow and estate manager are now locked in a bitter battle for control over his $275 million fortune. The relaxed island vibes have given way to anxiety-filled courtroom drama—and apparently, his […]

What Will Happen to Your Art When You Die?

Whether you have a carefully curated collection or just paintings bought as souvenirs from foreign travels, without proper planning and realistic expectations, your cherished art might end up in the trash or at a Goodwill shop. Many of us purchase paintings, ceramics, or sculptures to add beauty to our homes. Others acquire art believing it […]

Dianne Feinstein’s Trust Problems

Dianne Feinstein has many problems. She is a frail 90-year-old member of the United States Senate. In addition to her health problems, Feinstein is engaged in a lawsuit over trusts created with her late husband. We can’t avoid old age, but proper estate planning can help avoid family fights. Two separate lawsuits were filed in […]

Aretha Franklin Getting RESPECT

Imagine you are sitting on a couch at home. With pen in hand, you jot down notes about how your assets should be distributed when you die. You tuck the pages into a spiral notebook and shove the notebook under the couch cushions.  Perhaps you are just an ordinary Joe or Josephine or Aretha Franklin. […]

Housing God’s Ministers: Parsonage Explained

Rabbis and other clergy are less well compensated than comparable professionals with advanced degrees. Yet, clergy have one advantage over most other professions. A portion of clergy salary can avoid income taxation if deemed parsonage. Preferential treatment for clergy raises some questions. Yet, the tax benefit has withstood the tests of time and lawsuits. Perhaps […]

Trust and Your Adult Children

The most challenging question in estate planning is, “Whom do you trust?” The estate planning process includes the execution of several documents, wills, powers of attorney, and sometimes trusts.  Each requires naming a “fiduciary.” A fiduciary is someone you trust to handle your affairs when you are ill or after death. Who you choose to […]

Jerry Springer’s Video Will

Jerry Springer did not share his diagnosis with the public. Springer’s fans were surprised when he died from cancer in April 2023. The news media jumped on another secret. The press reported that Springer left his entire estate to children from an out-of-wedlock relationship. But the report was not accurate. Across social media, viewers watched […]

Living Larger Longer

We are living longer. Yet, demographic changes threaten our retirement plans for prosperity and enjoyment. For those of us who live longer lives, there may be some breathing room for additional planning, both financial and psychological. The statistics about the coming changes in the labor force and our economy are fascinating. For example, family sizes […]

Free Britney (with Supported Decision Making)

Britney Spears’ conservatorship shined a spotlight on the problems of guardianship systems and their damaging impact on people’s lives. The world saw that Britney’s mental health challenges did not impede her ability to make decisions such as selecting attorneys and engaging health care professionals. What the California system lacked was an appreciation for the concept […]

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