The Academy’s Fall Summit brought learning and camaraderie. The Academy introduced the Enterprise Model Law Firm and rolled out a new Trust Administration module. There were many great substantive legal education topics and practice management topics. As always, it was great to reconnect with friends and establish new relationships. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Learning, Re-inventing, and Camaraderie in San Diego
Estate Planning
Exploring Elder Abuse
As seniors live longer and technology makes it easier for everyone to stay connected, elder abuse continues to rise. Estate planning attorneys may find themselves on the front-line of these matters. Because elder abuse takes on many forms, it’s important for practitioners and consumers alike to have the skills necessary to recognize the signs of elder abuse. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Exploring Elder Abuse
Understanding the Interplay of State Estate and Inheritance Taxes with Federal Estate Tax
When individuals consider estate planning, they often look to federal law to determine the potential tax ramifications for their estate and beneficiaries. Some may neglect to consider the impact of state estate taxes which vary widely from state to state. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Understanding the Interplay of State Estate and Inheritance Taxes with Federal Estate Tax
Let’s Talk Litigation
Anyone creating an Estate Plan wants to ensure that the plan will work as intended and will withstand legal challenges. Sometimes though, a legal challenge is necessary to ensure that the Estate Plan reflects the true intent of the decedent is carried out and that the fiduciaries act in accordance with their duties. This article examines the most common ways that litigation arises in the Trusts and Estates arena. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Let’s Talk Litigation
The Horrors of Dying Intestate
Many souls believe that if they lack means, they do not need an Estate Plan. Nothing could be further from the truth. If you die without an Estate Plan, it’s like opting for a trick on Halloween and the results of both can be downright scary. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about The Horrors of Dying Intestate
Understanding the Job of Executor of the Estate
During the creation of your estate plan, you will need to make many decisions. While it is true that some of the most important of these decisions are related to what happens to your estate assets after you pass away, there are other equally important decisions that are not directly related to the distribution of your assets. Deciding who to appoint as your Executor is one of those decisions. People frequently appoint an Executor without giving the choice much thought and without realizing that … [Read more...] about Understanding the Job of Executor of the Estate
Learning, Re-inventing, and Camaraderie in San Diego
The Academy’s Fall Summit brought learning and camaraderie. The Academy introduced the Enterprise Model Law Firm and rolled out a new Trust Administration module. There were many great substantive legal education topics and practice management topics. As always, it was great to reconnect with friends and establish new relationships. Click here to learn more. … [Read more...] about Learning, Re-inventing, and Camaraderie in San Diego
Exploring the Many Issues Surrounding the Estate and Trust of Richard Blum – Part I
Every state that recognizes trusts as a legal entity imposes fiduciary duties upon the Trustee of such trust. These duties may have different names in different jurisdictions, but ultimately a breach of fiduciary duties means that the Trustee has failed to do what is required of them under the terms of the trust instrument and local law. This first part of a three-part series examines a case ripped from the headlines that highlights the various Trustee duties. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Exploring the Many Issues Surrounding the Estate and Trust of Richard Blum – Part I
Exploring the Many Issues Surrounding the Estate and Trust of Richard Blum – Part III
Every state that recognizes trusts as a legal entity imposes fiduciary duties upon the Trustee of such trust. These duties may have different names in different jurisdictions, but ultimately a breach of fiduciary duties means that the Trustee has failed to do what is required of them under the terms of the trust instrument and local law. This third and final part of a three-part series examines a case ripped from the headlines that highlights what happens when plans go awry. Read on to learn … [Read more...] about Exploring the Many Issues Surrounding the Estate and Trust of Richard Blum – Part III
Exploring the Many Issues Surrounding the Estate and Trust of Richard Blum – Part II
Every state that recognizes trusts as a legal entity imposes fiduciary duties upon the Trustee of such trust. These duties may have different names in different jurisdictions, but ultimately a breach of fiduciary duties means that the Trustee has failed to do what is required of them under the terms of the trust instrument and local law. This second part of a three-part series examines a case ripped from the headlines that highlights what happens when plans go awry. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Exploring the Many Issues Surrounding the Estate and Trust of Richard Blum – Part II