Recent Articles
Your Obituary
It is certain, you shall not carry anything out of this world, except maybe your reputation. Did you hear the story about Alfred Nobel? When Nobel’s brother died, a newspaper ran a long obituary of Alfred Nobel, believing that it was he who had passed away. Sentences in the obituary similar to this one… Read More »
Trust Administration Basics – Part III
In Part 1 of this series we discussed the initial duties of the successor trustee (manager) of a trust when the person who created the trust passes away. In summary, the successor trustee is to lodge the will, if any, with the court, send a formal notice of the trust administration to the trust… Read More »
Trust Administration Basics – Part II
In Part 1 of this series we discussed the initial duties of the successor trustee (manager) of a trust when the person who created the trust passes away. In summary, the successor trustee is to lodge the will, if any, with the court, send a formal notice of the trust administration to the trust… Read More »
Trust Administration Basics – Part I
This is the first of a three-part series of articles which gives an overview of the role and responsibilities of the successor trustee when the creator of a trust (the “grantor”) passes away. Because of the type of person you are — dependable, honest, hardworking and fair, you were designated as the successor trustee… Read More »
Disclaiming the Inheritance
Mr. and Mrs. Jefferson had seven adult children and a clan of grandchildren when they passed away. Their trust stated that their house was to be sold and that all the proceeds, plus all of their other assets, be divided amongst their seven children, the oldest of whom where twins, Keith and Kevin. Keith,… Read More »
Wise Estate Planning
It is good to do your estate plan and even better to do it wisely. After years in this ever-evolving and complex business, I can attest that not all estate plans are created equally. Some serve their purpose well, bringing organization and peace where there was once uncertainty. Others, however, cause headache (for the… Read More »
Property Tax Reassessment Exclusions
Even though my husband and I are not in the market for a new home, we like to follow the real estate market. It is interesting to see how location, size, renovations, timing and foreclosures affect home prices. We have seen houses that are literally next door to one another selling for a price… Read More »
Resolve to Lighten Your Load
“But I am not a hoarder!” How many times have I said, I mean heard, that phrase? As Americans, we can accumulate an awful lot of stuff. That’s okay — it is our right to have as much stuff as we want. An issue comes into play, however, when our heirs have to deal… Read More »
Keeping It All In The Family
In times past, when people sold property it was common to retain the rights to profits from oil and gas in the ground underneath the property. As a result of the practice, many people have been blessed to receive a substantial amount of monthly income from oil and gas royalties. This is the story… Read More »
I Take It Back
In my line of work, I hear and read plenty of negative statements people make about their relatives. Clients give countless reasons why one child deserves less than another child, or why an uncle will not be receiving as much an aunt. But sometimes people change and a relative finds his or her way… Read More »