Q. I read your recent article on Aretha Franklin’s multiple handwritten wills and the family strife that ensued for five years after she died. The situation provided a great example for why all of us should have properly written … [Read more...]
Critter Corner: August Is National Make-A-Will Month!
Dear Raider, I read somewhere that August is National Make-A-Will Month. My wife and I are thinking about doing our estate planning soon but feel like we should be more prepared prior to getting started. What do you suggest I … [Read more...]
Aretha Franklin’s Sons Clash in Court Over Handwritten Wills
Aretha Franklin, the “Queen of Soul,” died five years ago, in 2018, at age 76 from pancreatic cancer. Through her six-decade career in the music business, she left behind a legacy that included over 75 million record sales, 17 Top … [Read more...]
How Does Estate Planning Work for Multigenerational Living Arrangements?
Q. To save money, my parents, my husband and I, and our daughter and her family all live under one roof in a much bigger home than any of us could afford alone in Northern Virginia. With this living arrangement, I can care for my … [Read more...]
Procrastination and Estate Planning: How to Avoid These Disaster Scenarios
Q. My husband keeps procrastinating when it comes to wanting to do our estate planning. I brought up some things that could happen when someone dies without proper planning in place, but it hasn’t been enough to convince him. Can … [Read more...]
Are Large Inheritances Damaging to the Next Generation? Some Celebrities Think So
Some high net worth individuals, including some celebrities, are increasingly worried about how much of their fortunes, if any, to give to their kids. A couple years ago, CNN host Anderson Cooper announced that his son, Wyatt, … [Read more...]
Critter Corner: Making your Own Luck this St. Patrick’s Day!
Dear Hayek, Happy St. Patrick’s Day! I’m feeling very lucky this year. I met the love of my life and I feel like the third time is the charm. We are getting married and blending our families. I do believe in luck, but I also … [Read more...]
My Mom Had a Will, But It Was Useless
Q. I always had a good relationship with my mother. We would have lots of open conversations and talk about almost everything! If she ever got sick or traveled overseas, she would remind me that she had a will, and I of course … [Read more...]
Critter Corner: How to Successfully Approach the Topic of Estate Planning with Loved Ones
Dear Raider, I’ve decided to get my estate planning documents in order, but I want to talk to my family first. Estate planning isn’t an easy topic to broach. Do you have any suggestions for how I can bring it up and what we … [Read more...]