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 Updating an outdated Estate Plan or creating a new one provides a set of instructions for your family regarding what you want to happen during your life if you lose the ability to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
Legal Education
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
Tax Planning for 2024
"...[I]n this world nothing in this world can be certain, except death and taxes." - Benjamin Franklin Although Mr. Franklin may not have been the first person to say it, it is true! Thus, it is important to plan for income taxation during life as well as for any estate tax at death. Even though 2024 just started, it’s not too early to think about planning for whatever it may bring your way. Read on to learn more. Contact The Mendel Law Firm, L.P. at 281-759-3213 to schedule an appointment … [Read more...] about Tax Planning for 2024
Let’s Talk Litigation
If you create an Estate plan, you want to ensure that the plan will work as intended. Additionally, you expect the Estate Plan will withstand legal challenges. Sometimes, a legal challenge is necessary to ensure that the Decedent's true intent is carried out and that the fiduciaries act in accordance with their duties. This article examines the most common ways that litigation arises in the Trusts and Estates arena. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Let’s Talk Litigation
