A Hollywood Legend’s Final Act: A Lesson in Estate Planning -
The world recently bid farewell to legendary actor Gene Hackman, who passed away on February 18, 2025, at the age of 95. Just six days earlier, his wife, Betsy...more
Let’s be real—when you hear someone landed a $700 million deal, your first thought probably isn’t taxes. But Shohei Ohtani’s record-breaking contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers has become ground zero in a growing tax policy...more
A Civil Rights Legacy, a Contested Will, and Questions of Capacity -
Gizelle Bryant, one of the stars of the Real Housewives of Potomac, is currently embroiled in a legal dispute that touches on deep family ties, a civil...more
Betty White wasn’t just America’s beloved “Golden Girl”—she was also a passionate, lifelong advocate for animal welfare. As a longtime trustee of the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA) and a dedicated supporter of...more
3/27/2025
/ 501(c)(3) ,
Charitable Organizations ,
Estate Planning ,
Estate Tax ,
Florida ,
Pets ,
Tax Benefits ,
Tax Deductions ,
Tax Planning ,
Texas ,
Trusts
From Reality TV to Real-Life Tax Fraud: Peter Thomas’ $2.5 Million Scandal -
Peter Thomas, best known for his appearances on The Real Housewives of Atlanta, was sentenced on December 19, 2024, to 18 months in federal prison...more
The Massey Family’s $10M Settlement: A Win, But What’s Next?
Sonya Massey’s tragic death was yet another painful reminder of the deep racial injustices that persist in America. On July 6, 2024, Sonya, a 36-year-old Black...more
2/21/2025
/ Asset Protection ,
Beneficiaries ,
Civil Rights Act ,
Estate Planning ,
Estate Tax ,
Gift Tax ,
Irrevocable Trusts ,
Tax Liability ,
Tax Planning ,
Trusts ,
Wealth Management
Nicolas Puech, a lesser-known heir of the Hermès luxury brand, has taken an unusual approach to his estate plan by deciding to leave his fortune to his former gardener. Puech, who has long been known for his philanthropic...more
When the King of Pop passed away in 2009, he left behind more than just a rich legacy of music and pop culture. He also left behind a colossal estate that soon became entangled in one of the most scrutinized, drawn-out...more
The term "gray divorce" is commonly used to describe later-life separations, but "golden divorce" might be a more fitting term, suggesting optimism and new beginnings. This concept reminds me of the beloved 1980s sitcom The...more
10/23/2024
/ Beneficiaries ,
Community Property ,
Divorce ,
Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) ,
Estate Planning ,
Florida ,
Individual Retirement Account (IRA) ,
Life Insurance ,
Marital Assets ,
QDRO ,
Retirement ,
Texas ,
Trustees ,
Wills
Even global icons like Beyoncé, among the wealthiest entertainers on the planet, are not immune to IRS scrutiny. Recently, Queen Bey found herself entangled in a dispute with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) over an alleged...more
Wendy Williams, the famous talk show host, has long been a media fixture, but in recent years, her name has been associated with a highly publicized guardianship battle. This case underscores the importance of estate planning...more
Would you risk prison time to avoid paying taxes?
That’s a question Robert Hunter Biden, publicly known as "Hunter Biden," may have asked himself when he faced serious tax evasion charges recently. While the case...more
As the back-to-school season kicks off and college students begin their fall semester, now is the perfect time to consider the financial implications of your child heading off to college. The decision of whether to claim them...more
8/30/2024
/ Adult Children ,
Dependents ,
Income Taxes ,
IRS ,
Regulatory Requirements ,
Students ,
Tax Credits ,
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ,
Tax Deductions ,
Tax Exemptions ,
Tax Planning ,
Tax Refunds ,
Tax Returns
The untimely death of rapper Takeoff, a member of the Grammy-nominated hip-hop trio Migos—also consisting of rappers Quavo and Offset—left fans, family, and the music industry in shock. Born Kirshnik Khari Ball, Takeoff’s...more
The idea of student loan forgiveness has caught the attention of many borrowers and sparked lots of discussions. If you're wondering how this might affect your taxes, you're not alone. It's important to know the rules and...more
In the complex world of estate planning, irrevocable trusts offer a robust mechanism for protecting assets from various threats, including bankruptcy and divorce. This article delves into the specific protections offered by...more
7/17/2024
/ Asset Protection ,
Bankruptcy Code ,
Bankruptcy Trustees ,
Chapter 11 ,
Divorce ,
Estate Planning ,
Florida ,
Fraudulent Transfers ,
Irrevocable Trusts ,
Spendthrift Trusts ,
Testamentary Trust ,
UFTA
The landscape of marriage in the United States has transformed significantly, particularly for same-sex couples, following pivotal legal battles that sought to recognize their right to marry. Understanding the nuances of...more
6/18/2024
/ Asset Management ,
Beneficiaries ,
Common Law Marriage ,
Constitutional Challenges ,
Equal Protection ,
Estate Claims ,
Estate Planning ,
Florida ,
LGBTQ ,
Marriage ,
Marriage Equality ,
Obergefell v. Hodges ,
Risk Mitigation ,
Same-Sex Marriage ,
SCOTUS ,
Spouses ,
Texas
Aretha Franklin, the legendary Queen of Soul, passed away on August 16, 2018 from pancreatic cancer at the age of 76 in Detroit, Michigan. She left a legacy marked by her incomparable music and talent, and a $6 million...more
6/10/2024
/ Aretha Franklin ,
Asset Management ,
Beneficiaries ,
Estate Claims ,
Estate Planning ,
Family Members ,
Florida ,
Inheritance ,
Music Industry ,
Probate ,
Testators ,
Texas