For many people, the thought of meeting with an estate planning attorney is less than desirable. It can be uncomfortable to even consider the possibility of no longer being able to manage your own affairs, let alone no longer being alive. We are here to reassure you that estate planning is not as scary as so many people think it is. Many people fear estate planning because they fear the unknown. Not knowing what you are going to encounter at an attorney’s office frequently leads people to imagine all kinds of horrible scenarios and ultimately refuse to pull the trigger and set up an appointment. By explaining some of the common questions you might encounter when you meet with an estate planning attorney, we hope to help you prepare for your first estate planning meeting and alleviate some of the fear and anxiety that accompanies it.
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Why Singles Should Worry about Estate Planning
As a single individual, you may feel overwhelmed when you think about who will step in and make decisions for you if you cannot make decisions for yourself and who will receive your money and property when you die. You may consider your parents or siblings, but depending on whether they are living and the nature of your relationship, they may not be an option. Having an estate plan is important to ensure that your wishes are carried out during your life and after your death. If such worries are preventing you from completing your estate plan, we are here to help you.
Prince Philip: A Question of Balance
Prince Philip's will is to be sealed for 90 years. This has been part of royal protocol since 1910. However, the question remains of what will happen with The Duke of Edinburgh's multi-million pound estate.
Can a Beneficiary of a Trust Also Be a Trustee?
There is no law against a beneficiary also being a trustee of the same trust—but it may not always be wise, and certain guidelines must be followed.
Larry King: Truth Be Told
We lost talk show legend, Larry King, in January 2021. He had been star of our television screens for decades and had certainly led an interesting life. When he passed he left behind six ex-wives, with the seventh ex-wife pending, five children and a supposedly "secret" handwritten will.
Britney Spears: A Cautionary Tale about Conservatorships
Even if you don't listen to pop music, its been hard to ignore the recent news about Britney Spears and the #FreeBritney movement. In 2008, pop singer and superstar performer Britney Spears had a widely publicized emotional and mental breakdown leading to a series of bizarre and erratic behaviors. As a result, her family sought a conservatorship (often referred to as a guardianship in Ohio) through the court system to protect Britney and her minor children from her poor financial and healthcare decisions. Over time, however, Britney Spears' fans, and others concerned about her welfare, have followed her situation and have come to believe that the conservatorship has been kept in place for too long. Her case is a lesson in why a conservatorship may not be the best approach for many individuals.
Sir Christopher Lee: Prince of Darkness
If there was a villain to be played in a movie, chances are they were more than likely played by Christopher Lee. From terrifying audiences as "Count Dracula" in the old Hammer Horror movies, to “Saruman” in the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies, to Bond villain “Francisco Scaramanga” in The Man with the Golden Gun, he carved out a career that would last decades. Yet the illustrious actor's estate had a net worth of "nil" noted on documentation presented for probate. How could this be?
How Can Remarriage Affect Your Estate Planning?
It is important to understand how a subsequent marriage can impact the estate planning from a prior marriage. If you or someone named in your estate planning documents has remarried, there are several major issues that you should be aware of as well as steps you should take to ensure your estate planning continues to be appropriate for your current situation.
Bob Ross: The Happy Painter
Bob Ross was an artist whose television show, "The Joy of Painting" did indeed bring the joy of painting and creativity into our homes during the '80s and '90s. The artist remains more popular than ever today, thanks to a resurgence on social media via memes and ASMR content. However, after his death, there were many legal challenges to his legacy.
Kenny Rogers: The Gambler
Married five times, divorced four, Kenny Rogers is remembered for his multiple marriages, lavish lifestyle and a highly recognisable back catalogue of hit songs. His concerts sold out until the day he finished touring. He was one of the worlds most iconic country stars. However, the multi-million dollar earning star may not have left much of his fortune behind.