Estate Planning
A Hole in Hackman’s Plan
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.
What Is an Ethical Will?
You’ve likely thought about who should receive your house, your investments, and your cars. But what about your stories, values, and personal messages? Those intangibles carry deep emotional weight, and they have the power to shape your legacy just as much as any physical asset. That’s where a lesser-known but impactful planning tool comes into … Read more
Spring Summit 2025: Reflecting, Refueling, and Reimagining in Savannah
The best Estate Planners stay current on the latest trends. The American Academy of Estate Planning held its semi-annual conference, providing education and learning for and inspiring excellence in its Members. Read on to learn more about the unique experience at the conference.
Are Irrevocable Trusts Really Irrevocable – Part III
Estate Planning attorneys include irrevocable trusts as part of a comprehensive Estate Plan to achieve both tax and non-tax goals. As the use of Irrevocable Trusts has evolved, so have the ideas about changing them. Irrevocable Trusts have long been an effective, albeit static, estate planning tool, with the ability to alter irrevocable trusts, they provide more flexibility and opportunity than ever. Read on to learn more.
A Message from the Murdochs – Part II
Art often imitates life and the latest chapter unfolding for Rupert Murdoch demonstrates that. Most of the time, when an individual creates an irrevocable trust, they part with dominion and control over the assets, and it is difficult to change the terms. Not long ago, the probate commissioner issued his order in response to Rupert Murdoch’s petition to amend the 1999 trust that controls his empire. It didn’t go the way Rupert hoped. Read on to learn more.
Estate Planning Insight: Downsizing Can Streamline the Process
Have you considered how downsizing could simplify your estate planning efforts? You might think estate planning revolves around legal documents, wills, and trusts. Yet, your physical belongings significantly influence how smoothly your estate passes to your loved ones. The truth is that downsizing as part of an overall estate planning strategy offers hidden benefits beyond … Read more
A Day Like Any Other: Reflections from the Oklahoma City National Memorial
As I recently walked through the Oklahoma City National Memorial, the weight of history felt especially profound as today marks the 30th anniversary of the bombing. Standing where Fifth Street once ran, looking at the Reflecting Pool mirroring the black granite Gates of Time, I was struck by how an ordinary spring morning – April … Read more
Are Irrevocable Trusts Really Irrevocable – Part I
For many years Estate Planning attorneys touted irrevocable trusts as an immutable way to set an estate plan in stone. As more and more states have adopted the Uniform Trust Code that has changed. Provisions of the Uniform Trust Code allow for modification of an otherwise irrevocable trust which has altered the landscape of Estate Planning. Irrevocable Trusts have long been an effective, albeit static, estate planning tool, with the ability to alter irrevocable trusts, they provide more flexibility and opportunity than ever. Read on to learn more.
Want Privacy? Use a Trust
Do you really want your nosy neighbor knowing your business? Or Aunt Maggie discovering that your favorite uncle got an inheritance—but she didn’t? If you rely solely on a will, your estate plan becomes a matter of public record. That means anyone—from relatives to telemarketers—can walk into the courthouse and see exactly what you left … Read more