Estate planning isn’t just about securing your legacy—it’s about protecting your assets and loved ones when disaster strikes. Updating an outdated Estate Plan or creating a new one provides a set of instructions for your family regarding what you want to happen during your life if you lose the ability to communicate that and at death. It provides comfort and a sense of control. This article will serve as a guide to getting more out of your Estate Plan during a disaster. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Proper Estate Planning Brings Peace of Mind During a Disaster
Estate Planning
Estate Planning and Baseball
Every state that recognizes trusts as legal entities imposes fiduciary duties upon the Trustee of such trusts. These duties may have different names in different jurisdictions, but ultimately a breach of fiduciary duties means that the Trustee failed to fulfill their duties as expressed in the trust instrument and under local law. This article examines a case ripped from the headlines that demonstrates the importance of choosing the right individuals to serve as fiduciaries. Read on to learn … [Read more...] about Estate Planning and Baseball
National Make-a-Will Month
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. In honor of National Make-a-Will month, 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
No More Cheeseburgers in Paradise
Jimmy Buffett’s brand of music inspired a way of life dedicated to relaxing. As "Parrotheads" know, 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. Continue reading to learn more. … [Read more...] about No More Cheeseburgers in Paradise
In Loving Memory of All the Pets Who Have Crossed the Rainbow Bridge
The grief of putting my dog down got me wondering about how animals process grief and how much harder it may be for them because they lack the ability to put their feelings into words the way that humans can. Thus, the idea for this blog focusing on options for pets upon the death of their owners was born, including, but not limited to, pet trusts in their owners' estate planning instruments. Read on to learn more. Contact us at (281) 759-3213 to discuss your options to provide for your … [Read more...] about In Loving Memory of All the Pets Who Have Crossed the Rainbow Bridge
A Hole in Hackman’s Plan
Eugene ("Gene") Allen Hackman enjoyed a prolific acting career that spanned several decades. In a bizarre sequence of events, seemingly ripped from a movie script, his death raised questions and exposed some flaws in both his end-of-life planning and his Estate Plan. Gene’s final act didn’t result in a happy ending, but rather a tragic tale full of warnings to those who care to listen. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about A Hole in Hackman’s Plan
The Big Lesson from Tony Bennett’s Embattled Estate and Troubled Trust
When one child occupies a position of trust with a parent to the exclusion of other siblings, it can cause friction between family members. Extending that position of power after death can exacerbate that friction and may cause irreparable harm among surviving family members. It seems that happened upon the death of beloved singer, Tony Bennett. His daughters have sued their brother on two different occasions leveling some unflattering allegations. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about The Big Lesson from Tony Bennett’s Embattled Estate and Troubled Trust
There’s No Better Way to Say “I’ll Be There for You” than with an Estate Plan
Matthew Perry, who portrayed the sarcastic "funny guy" Chandler Bing on "Friends", tragically died at the end of 2023. Months after his passing, it appears unlikely that Matthew’s estate will end up embroiled in a public court battle (as we see with other celebrity estates), and there is much that we can learn from Matthew Perry, other than comedic timing. In particular, Matthew Perry was wise enough to create an estate plan to protect his assets. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about There’s No Better Way to Say “I’ll Be There for You” than with an Estate Plan
Planning Carefully When One Child Provides Most of the Caregiving
Estate planning can become complex when family dynamics are in play, especially in situations where one child assumes the primary caregiving role for an aging or ailing parent. Careful planning is necessary to balance fairness while acknowledging that child's additional contributions. Here's a structured approach to consider: Open Communication: Initiate a conversation with all family members involved. Transparency is essential to understand everyone’s viewpoint and to minimize potential … [Read more...] about Planning Carefully When One Child Provides Most of the Caregiving
R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Find Out What It Means To…Your Estate Plan
Individuals often have reservations about seeking out an attorney’s help with their Estate Plan. Sometimes they worry about the cost, other times they think that they can do it on their own, and sometimes they die before the thought of creating an Estate Plan ever crosses their mind. Unfortunately, the issues that result from a lack of proper Estate Planning on death don’t care who we are during life, or how soulfully we can sing. As this blog demonstrates, even celebrities like Aretha Franklin … [Read more...] about R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Find Out What It Means To…Your Estate Plan
