Although many Estate Plans have a Revocable Trust as the foundation for the plan, Wills play an important role in a comprehensive Estate Plan. Alarmingly, most Americans don’t have a Will even though they know it’s important. As National Make a Will month comes to a close, let’s explore the often overlooked and neglected Estate Planning document, the Will. Continue reading to learn more. … [Read more...] about National Make-a-Will Month
Legal Education
The Seedier Side of the Holiday Season
Scammers will use any leverage possible to separate you from your money. This includes preying upon a grandparent’s love and concern for their grandchildren. The so-called grandparent scams are among the most popular scams targeting the elderly and rely upon details gleaned from social media sites to make the call seem realistic. It’s important to recognize the signs of potential scams and understand how to guard against them. My friend and colleague Tereina Stidd, an estate planning expert, has … [Read more...] about The Seedier Side of the Holiday Season
How Specific Devises Impact Inheritance
Parents often decide to leave one child a specific asset and provide an equalizing cash bequest to the other. This article by my friend and colleague Tereina Stidd, an estate planning expert, explores how specific bequests may provide unintended results. Continue reading to learn more. … [Read more...] about How Specific Devises Impact Inheritance
Hulk Hogan and Disclaimers…?
When Terry Bollea, aka “Hulk Hogan,” died on July 24 at age 71 in Florida, something different but important for Estate Planning practitioners came into play: disclaimers. My friend and colleague Tereina Stidd, an estate planning expert, explains this interesting concept. Continue reading to learn more. … [Read more...] about Hulk Hogan and Disclaimers…?
“Let’s Go Crazy” … Over Prince’s Estate
When Prince died over nine (9) years ago, he shocked his fans one last time. Turns out, his unexpected death wasn’t the last surprise. Prince died without an Estate Plan causing his siblings to spend the next six years fighting over his Estate. My friend and colleague Tereina Stidd, an estate planning expert, looked into this situation,. Continue reading to learn more. … [Read more...] about “Let’s Go Crazy” … Over Prince’s Estate
What Football and Estate Planning Have in Common
Many Americans love football. In some way football and Estate Planning share many commonalities. My friend and colleague Tereina Stidd, an estate planning expert, shares her thoughts here: learn more. … [Read more...] about What Football and Estate Planning Have in Common
Preparing for FinCEN Real Estate Reporting
Although the Corporate Transparency Act’s Beneficial Ownership Information reports no longer apply to domestic entities due to their exemption, another FinCEN requirement is moving full steam ahead, and estate planning attorneys should not overlook it. Starting December 1, 2025, professionals involved in real estate closings and settlements will be required to submit reports to FinCEN for certain non-financed transfers of residential property to legal entities or trusts. Check here for more … [Read more...] about Preparing for FinCEN Real Estate Reporting
No More Cheeseburgers in Paradise
Jimmy Buffett’s brand of music inspired a way of life dedicated to relaxing. A trip to Key West, Florida embodies everything Jimmy held dear and serves as the backdrop to many of his songs. More than one city hosts a restaurant titled after his hit song, “Margaritaville.” While Buffett appeared to live a carefree lifestyle full of fun, his 2023 death alerted us that his passing left some issues unresolved. My friend and colleague Tereina Stidd, an estate planning expert, has looked into the … [Read more...] about No More Cheeseburgers in Paradise
Estate Planning: There’s Something Here for Everyone – Part II
In Part 1 of this blog, we examined the benefits of creating an Estate Plan and made the point that while many individuals mistakenly think that they need only a “simple plan” because they don’t have significant assets or have few beneficiaries, that’s simply not true. This second part of the series will examine the most common mistakes that occur in an Estate Plan and how to avoid them. Of course, any individual who fails to create an Estate Plan makes the biggest mistake of all. Failing to … [Read more...] about Estate Planning: There’s Something Here for Everyone – Part II
Estate Planning: There’s Something Here for Everyone – Part I
Despite knowing that they should have an estate plan, many individuals give excuses for failing to create an Estate Plan. They may rely upon advice from seemingly well-intentioned individuals that if they do not have a taxable estate, they don’t need a plan, or that each state has its own set of rules regarding distribution that gives assets to beneficiaries upon death. Some folks go so far as to suggest methods to avoid probate without truly considering the impact of those suggestions. This … [Read more...] about Estate Planning: There’s Something Here for Everyone – Part I
