It is hard to believe that it has been almost five years since we lost the “Queen of Soul,” Aretha Franklin. However, you may have noticed that she was in the news quite recently. More accurately, a fight over her estate was in the news. Ms. Franklin left a 2010 Will....
When counseling clients about estate planning, my primary objective is to help them maintain control of their estate. This includes helping clients ensure that, on their passing, their assets go to those they want to receive them. This result does not happen...
Last article, I gave the example of a man with children from a prior relationship who purchased a home with his girlfriend. When he dies, who will receive his share of the home? Since they are not married, the house is not community property. This means there is no...
People sometimes deed their property to their children while still alive in order to make sure the home goes to the kids after the parent has passed. However, this shortcut often comes with significant unanticipated risks/costs. When a homeowner dies, the home...
Although never planned, divorce is a complication of life that affects many. What happens if your Will leaves everything to your now ex-spouse because you never changed the Will after a divorce? When you pass away, will your ex-spouse still get your assets? ...