Financial Planning Tips for the Sandwich Generation with Sherry Finkel Murphy
Once Removed Episode 38: The Legacy Mindset: What It Is and How to Build It
The Terminator: The QPRT as a Wealth Transfer Strategy and CTA Updates
The Risks of Bad Advice
Digital Planning Podcast Episode: Planning for Your Digital Legacy
John Wick - What You Need To Know about the Corporate Transparency Act
Top Gun: Maverick - Core Estate Plan and Gifting Basics
Digital Planning Podcast Episode: Estate Planning and the Corporate Transparency Act
Once Removed Episode 24: Expressing Goals and Intent for the Trust
Once Removed Episode 23: Naming Guardians for Minor Children
Once Removed Episode 22: Building Flexibility into the Estate Plan
Once Removed Episode 21: Passing Down the “Family Cottage” or Other Legacy Property
Once Removed Episode 20: Helping a Beneficiary Purchase a Home
Once Removed Episode 19: The Step-Transaction Doctrine and the Case of Smaldino
Digital Planning Podcast Episode: Planning for Influencers
Next Generation Legacy Management - The Essence of Developing, Managing and Implementing a Plan for Future Generations
Once Removed Episode 18: The Reciprocal Trust Doctrine
Life After Love Gone Wrong Podcast: Season 3, Episode 6 - Reshaping Your Legacy: Estate Planning After Your Divorce
Charitable Planning With Guest Stephanie Hood: Navigating Complex Rules and Traps for the Unwary
Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 251: Listen and Learn -- Present and Future Estates (Part 2)
Before shifting my practice from estate planning to estate litigation, I witnessed up close the challenges and frustrations associated with the California probate process. That has changed for many Californians. Assembly Bill...more
In In re Estate of Carr, the court of appeals dismissed an appeal from a probate court order due to a lack of jurisdiction. No. 04-23-00287-CV, 2024 Tex. App. LEXIS 7827 (Tex. App.—San Antonio November 6, 2024, no pet....more
In a significant legal victory for lenders, the Supreme Court of New York recently ruled in favor of our lender client in a residential foreclosure action against the estate of its borrower. This decision confirms that...more
The recent death of legendary actor, Gene Hackman, age 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, age 65, has brought attention to the complexities surrounding their estate and illustrates the need for proper estate planning. At his...more
Two recent Michigan Court of Appeals cases delve into what it takes to successfully pursue an undue influence claim. In re Sherrod Estate, No 369863, 2025 WL 855275 (Mich Ct App Mar 18, 2025) (unpublished) and In re Estate of...more
In a groundbreaking decision that could reshape the landscape of California estate law, the Court of Appeal in the Second District Division Four has ruled in favor of trustee David Henry Simon, affirming his right to seek a...more
Having a fantastic estate plan does not mean much if you do not take steps to implement and maintain it. Just like your car, your estate plan requires maintenance. We have a few tips to help you keep your estate plan up to...more
In Arizona, spring is when the sun shines brightly, and the temperatures are perfect for enjoying outdoor activities. As much as we love the spring warmth, it is important to remember that with all that sunshine comes the...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
A recent appellate case serves as a valuable lesson for both estate planners and beneficiaries about adhering to formal procedures when making changes to a trust. The court found that the mere exchange of emails was...more
The recent passing of legendary actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65, within days of each other in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home underscores the importance of contingency planning and other factors in...more
California’s Assembly Bill 2016 – which goes into effect April 1 – introduces significant positive changes to the probate process, particularly for primary residences. The law raises the value threshold for primary residences...more
If you wish to create a new trust or update an existing estate plan, you will need skill and expertise across many disciplines: tax, estate planning, and legal services. Look for a service provider who can seamlessly...more
Intro. The Uniform Trust Code (UTC) is a mere aggregation of tweaks to the corner of equity jurisprudence that long ago gave birth to and currently stewards the trust relationship, hereinafter “the background trust law.”...more
As a member of your company’s human resources or employee benefits department, one of the most difficult calls you may receive is from a colleague or an employee’s family member notifying you of the death of an employee. This...more
What do you need to know about estate planning for pets in San Diego and throughout California? What are some of the essential elements of an effective estate plan that will protect your beloved companion(s) while ensuring...more
A question for you: do you have an estate plan? Of course you do, everyone needs an estate plan. Second question: who is(are) the beneficiary(ies) of your estate plan? Someone you love and trust, I presume. Perhaps a spouse,...more
Estate planning is one of the most important conversations you’ll ever have with your parents. Discussing wills, trusts, and end-of-life wishes can feel uncomfortable, but having a clear plan in place can save your family...more
Despite an intention to add a spouse or domestic partner to their Will, at times a decedent may neglect to do so prior to his/her death. Under such circumstances, however, a surviving spouse or domestic partner may be...more
The media is filled with stories of deceased celebrities whose final wishes were either unknown or the subject of dispute. An important lesson: You can retain control of your finances after incapacity and remain in control of...more
A collection may hold deep personal significance for a client but may not carry the same sentimental or financial value for their heirs. It is essential to encourage clients to have open conversations with their heirs, as...more
When the Supreme Court made its landmark decision in Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015, same-sex couples across the country gained the right to marry. But with recent shifts in the legal landscape, such as the overturning of Roe...more
For many families, owning an apartment in Israel – whether as a second home or a cherished holiday retreat – is a lifelong dream. The journey from selecting the right property, navigating the purchase process, and turning a...more
If you have established a living trust and own real estate, you were likely advised to transfer the real estate to your trust. A living trust may also be known as a “revocable trust,” “inter vivos trust,” or “family trust.”...more
Frank Fritz, star of the History Channel show “American Pickers,” suffered a stroke, became incapacitated, and died on September 30, 2024, at age 60. Before he passed away, his friend, Chris Davis, became his legal guardian....more