The estranged daughter of a noted business tycoon who died in late 2015 openly acknowledges a virtual lack of communication with her father over decades. She laments that he -- in the words of a recently written national newspaper piece -- "didn't leave a dime" in his...
Month: October 2017
Retirement security focal point of recent GAO study
There are certainly lots of reasons why a motivated individual or family might want to get started on implementing a sound estate plan to prepare for the future.Addressing uncertainty regarding health concerns might be one of them. Perhaps one or more loved ones have...
What can happen when executor appointment is, well, not optimal
It's a safe bet that the three former wives of famed -- and now deceased -- song writer/guitarist Jerry Garcia do not hang out together listening to Grateful Dead albums.Ditto that regarding former girlfriends and children from Garcia's various relationships. Here's...
Why most executors need help during probate administration
If you were asked to be the executor (often called personal representative) of a loved one's estate, that obviously means that trust was imposed in you regarding a very important matter.You were likely honored by the appointment, and accepted. Many people do. And now...
Well-heeled? Look with regularity at timely estate updating.
A recent Forbes article on estate administration notes that sound and timely planning is a smart strategy for a person "no matter what his or her level of worth."And the magazine goes on to note in the virtual wake of that statement that staying on top of...
6 psychological reasons for estate disputes
You and your siblings are involved in a bitter dispute over your parents' wealth. You almost can't believe it's real. You never imagined you'd fight like this, and the passing of wealth from one generation to the next is pushing you apart.Is it just the money?...
Recent Blog Post
Even a fortune can disappear without sound estate planning
Some figures baffle.Like the speed of light. Like the age and size of the universe. And like estimates pegging the personal fortunes of America's richest families.Consider this imagery relevant to the storied Vanderbilt family for a moment: a pile of money equaling...
Broad, measured thinking out of the box promotes sound estate planning
"You own this." Those words might sound frightening to a would-be California estate planner, but they are actually meant to promote a feeling of empowerment rather than intimidation. It is no secret that legions of...
Remarrying couples unquestionably need to focus on estate planning
Many remarrying California individuals fail to timely consider and update existing estate plans to reflect new realities.Don't be one of them. Many remarrying California individuals fail to timely consider and update existing estate plans to reflect new...
View More Blog Posts