Most people spend considerable time deciding who gets what in their estate plans. Far less time goes into deciding who will be responsible for carrying it out. That choice matters just as much. An executor manages the administration of your estate after you die. A trustee manages assets held in a trust, sometimes for decades. … Read more
There are very few people who hear the name Dolly Parton and do not immediately think of a song. “Jolene.” “9 to 5.” “I Will Always Love You.” But Dolly’s fortune tells another fascinating story—one about a remarkable business empire, valuable intellectual property, generosity, and an estate that may remain largely private. But Dolly Parton built much … Read more
Leaving something to a child you love is one of the most natural impulses in estate planning. The legal reality of how that inheritance actually reaches them, however, is something most parents and grandparents have never thought through. Here’s the key question: can a minor inherit directly? In Texas, a minor cannot legally own or … Read more
The legal battle over Tony Hsieh’s estate has entered a new and stranger phase. Hsieh, the former CEO of Zappos and the man behind a bold effort to revitalize downtown Las Vegas, died in November 2020 at age 46 from smoke inhalation injuries suffered in a Connecticut house fire. He was worth an estimated $500 … Read more
Eugene 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.
Every Fourth of July, we celebrate the right to determine our own destiny. Yet many Americans leave some of life’s most important decisions to state intestacy laws by failing to create an Estate Plan. This Independence Day, learn why declaring your independence from intestacy may be one of the most meaningful gifts you can leave for the people you love.
One of the most common—and dangerous—phrases in Estate Planning is “that would never happen.” This article explores how assumptions about family dynamics, relationships, and behavior often lead to unintended conflict, litigation, and failed plans. By examining where these assumptions break down, both attorneys and families can build Estate Plans designed to withstand real-world challenges.
If you own a business, your legacy is not defined only by what you built. It is also defined by what happens next. Without a clear succession plan, even a profitable and well-run company can face instability, conflict, or forced liquidation at the very moment continuity matters most. Business succession planning gives you control over … Read more
The recent $10 billion sale of the Los Angeles Lakers provides a powerful cautionary tale about Estate Planning, family conflict, and business succession. Despite a sophisticated Trust designed to keep ownership in the Buss family, structural flaws and sibling rivalries ultimately dismantled Jerry Buss’s legacy. This case illustrates why even well-drafted Estate Plans can fail when they ignore real-world dynamics. Learn the critical lessons every family business owner should consider before it’s too late.
As we approach the end of another tax season, it’s a good time to review the list of “Dirty Dozen” tax schemes published by the Internal Revenue Service for the year. Many of these schemes peak during tax time and involve fraudsters looking for ways to steal taxpayers’ money, personal information, and data. Attorneys can help their clients by alerting them to these scams and providing advice on how to avoid them.