Jimmy Buffett’s brand of music inspired a way of life dedicated to relaxing. A trip to Key West, Florida embodies everything Jimmy held dear and serves as the backdrop to many of his songs. More than one city hosts a restaurant titled after his hit song, “Margaritaville.” While Buffett appeared to live a carefree lifestyle full of fun, his 2023 death alerted us that his passing left some issues unresolved. Continue reading to learn more. … [Read more...] about No More Cheeseburgers in Paradise
Legal Education
A Hole in Hackman’s Plan
Eugene Allen Hackman enjoyed a prolific acting career that spanned several decades. In a bizarre sequence of events, seemingly ripped from a movie script, his death raised questions and exposed some flaws in both his end-of-life planning and his Estate Plan. Gene’s final act didn’t result in a happy ending, but rather a tragic tale full of warnings to those who care to listen. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about A Hole in Hackman’s Plan
Spring Summit 2025: Reflecting, Refueling, and Reimagining in Savannah
The best Estate Planners stay current on the latest trends. The American Academy of Estate Planning held its semi-annual conference, providing education and learning for and inspiring excellence in its Members. Read on to learn more about the unique experience at the conference. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Spring Summit 2025: Reflecting, Refueling, and Reimagining in Savannah
In Loving Memory of All the Pets Who Have Crossed the Rainbow Bridge
The grief of putting my dog down got me wondering about how animals process grief and how much harder it may be for them since they lack the ability to put their feelings into words the way that humans can. Thus, the idea for this blog focusing on options for pets upon the death of their owners was born. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about In Loving Memory of All the Pets Who Have Crossed the Rainbow Bridge
The Big Lesson from Tony Bennett’s Embattled Estate and Troubled Trust
When one child occupies a position of trust with a parent to the exclusion of other siblings, that causes friction. Extending that position of power after death exacerbates that friction and may cause irreparable harm. It seems that happened upon the death of beloved singer, Tony Bennett. His daughters have sued their brother on two different occasions leveling some unflattering allegations. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about The Big Lesson from Tony Bennett’s Embattled Estate and Troubled Trust
A Hole in Hackman’s Plan
Eugene Allen Hackman enjoyed a prolific acting career that spanned several decades. In a bizarre sequence of events, seemingly ripped from a movie script, his death raised questions and exposed some flaws in both his end-of-life planning and his Estate Plan. Gene’s final act didn’t result in a happy ending, but rather a tragic tale full of warnings to those who care to listen. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about A Hole in Hackman’s Plan
Are Irrevocable Trusts Really Irrevocable – Part III
When I began practicing law, clients created irrevocable trusts with caution because the trust was then set in stone. By the time I left private practice, clients created irrevocable trusts with more frequency and considerably less caution because changing irrevocable trusts became commonplace. Trusts and Estate practitioners have several mechanisms that allow them to change an irrevocable trust. The first part of this three-part series explored changes to irrevocable trusts using judicial or … [Read more...] about Are Irrevocable Trusts Really Irrevocable – Part III
A Message from the Murdochs – Part II
As a reformed Trusts and Estates attorney, I have an unusual fascination with celebrity estates, especially those gone wrong. Using those estates as instructive lessons regarding how to avoid disaster has provided many a topic for this blog. I often discuss the benefits of creating and reviewing an Estate Plan regularly. Simply put, none of us should leave our legacy to chance. Not long ago, I wrote about the Murdoch family and the latest drama surrounding them in A Message from the Murdochs. … [Read more...] about A Message from the Murdochs – Part II
Are Irrevocable Trusts Really Irrevocable – Part I
For many years Estate Planning attorneys touted irrevocable trusts as an immutable way to set an estate plan in stone. As more and more states have adopted the Uniform Trust Code that has changed. Provisions of the Uniform Trust Code allow for modification of an otherwise irrevocable trust which has altered the landscape of Estate Planning. Irrevocable Trusts have long been an effective, albeit static, estate planning tool, with the ability to alter irrevocable trusts, they provide more … [Read more...] about Are Irrevocable Trusts Really Irrevocable – Part I
Are Irrevocable Trusts Really Irrevocable – Part II
For many years Estate Planning attorneys touted irrevocable trusts as an immutable way to set an estate plan in stone. As more and more states have adopted the Uniform Trust Code that has changed. Provisions of the Uniform Trust Code allow for modification of an otherwise irrevocable trust which has altered the landscape of Estate Planning. Irrevocable Trusts have long been an effective, albeit static, estate planning tool, with the ability to alter irrevocable trusts, they provide more … [Read more...] about Are Irrevocable Trusts Really Irrevocable – Part II
