One of the things that makes managing legal issues so challenging is that the laws are always changing. This blog is designed to help you stay current on many of the latest changes.
When celebrities die, their image may endure in the films, photographs, and works of art. These very images can be the center of legal controversy. Take for instance the case of celebrity couple Farrah Fawcett and Ryan O’Neal. Their decades-long relationship ended with her death in 2009. One bequest of Fawcett’s was to leave all […]
read more...Sometimes, people are surprised by news of an unexpected inheritance. And sometimes, this news might take the form of an unpleasant surprise. Imagine finding out that your grandmother left her entire estate to her attorney. Or her parakeet. Or her pharmacist. Could it happen? Strange as those “what ifs” may sound, the California Probate Code […]
read more...Many people’s family beliefs include charity as a basic tenet. Others may simply feel a social responsibility to aid and share with others. Many families undertake charitable activities together; many wealthy families create philanthropies that carry through several generations of serving others. I read an article recently that offered suggestions for raising charitable children. Not […]
read more...This story, in a way, relates to what I do as an estate planning attorney. It’s my job to see that your wishes–and your directives–are legally, properly established so that when the time comes, they will be respected and carried out. The Alabama Supreme Court recently ruled that a widower living in Stevenson, Alabama may […]
read more...Every family has disagreements. Some famous families, like the Kardashians, Spellings, and Sheens, might see their trials and tribulations being shared in public, on almost every communication medium imaginable. Fortunately for most of us, and we hope for them as well, whatever issues that cause family disharmony are eventually resolved, and sooner or later, everyone […]
read more...California lost a gracious philanthropist when Diane Disney Miller, Walt Disney’s last surviving daughter, passed away November 19th in the Napa Valley. It was her generous donation of $50 million that launched the building of the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the home of the LA Philharmonic. Mrs. Miller also championed the design of the notable […]
read more...As the holiday season fast approaches, no doubt many of us are looking forward to family gatherings (and meals!). But on the flip side, there are probably many people who anticipate some tension at this time of year. Some divorced or re-married folks split up meals: dinner at one family home, dessert at another. There […]
read more...Michael Jackson’s unexpected death has had devastating effects on millions of fans all over the globe, but even more on his family. And now, legal issues are arising that may also devastate his estate. According to a recent article in Rolling Stone, only a few months ago the IRS sued Jackson’s estate for over $700 […]
read more...You’ve just welcomed a new child into your family. This is one of the greatest changes to your life. If you’re like most people, you’ll wake up one night in a cold sweat because you’ve just realized what a huge responsibility it is to protect your child. Possibly the most important step you can take […]
read more...His plus Hers equals Ours? These days, getting married isn’t about monogrammed towels any more. A recent article in Forbes written by Kelly Phillips Erb discusses the changes in tax status that can arise when single people marry, and how newly married couples should consider their options before filing. Seriously? Can’t this all wait until […]
read more...