When Sheila’s mother died with only a Last Will and Testament (Will) in place, she couldn’t fathom that she would still be knee-deep in probate a year later without an end in sight. Sheila often tells her friends and anyone who will listen that if she knew then what she knows now about probate, things […]
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 believed her and I assumed it was enough and that we were […]
The Top 19 Weird Will Requests
The COVID-19 crisis has caused many Americans to contemplate their mortality. The pandemic has prompted people to think more about what to do if they become infected. And for many of these people, that includes thinking about estate planning. We’ve written many posts about coronavirus and the need for incapacity planning, estate planning, nursing home […]
Is a Last Will and Testament Enough?
Dear Angel, My sister wants to save money on estate planning. She is considering Do it Yourself (DIY) forms that she saw online, or if she does go to an attorney, she said that a Will should be enough. Is that true? Thanks for your help! Will Snaughtenuff—Dear Will, It is commendable that your sister […]
Muddy Waters’ Family Still Singing the Blues: An Estate Plan Still Not Settled After 35 Years
Dan just turned 65 and is beginning to tackle the items on his bucket list. Recently, he was able to check off an item that was near the top—a trip to New Orleans to experience Mardi Gras, see the French Quarter, eat a beignet at Café Du Monde, and listen to some of the best […]
Estate Planning for the Modern Family
Q. My family is not what many would consider “ordinary.” I am divorced and have been remarried for five years. I have a 40-year-old stepdaughter, a 25-year-old daughter, and a 10-year-old grandson, all of whom reside with us. My mother lives with us, as well, in a large home that I purchased with her, my brother, and his husband. Any suggestions when it comes to estate planning for my “modern” family? […]
What Happens if You Die Without a Will in Virginia, Maryland, or Washington, D.C.?
Q. I am retired and recently moved to the DC area to be closer to my daughter, her husband, and my three grandchildren. I have lived a pretty simple life, and don’t have a lot. Although I am now in my early 70’s, I have never done estate planning. After reading your newsletter and perusing […]
Why Are There So Many Problems With Prince’s Will Two Years After his Death?
Dear Magic, I read somewhere that Prince died two years ago, but his heirs have yet to inherit any of his 200 million dollar fortune. How can this be? Noah Money-Forthem —- Dear Noah, It’s true that it’s been two years, and Prince’s family has yet to see their inheritance. The reason is the fact […]
When is a Person Too Incapacitated to Sign Legal Documents?
Q. My father, Roy, has severe arthritis and is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. He is widowed and currently lives in a stand-alone cottage house that my husband and I built for him in our backyard. Sometimes he seems completely “with it,” and other times, he loses his bearings, forgets names and faces, gets […]
The Estate Planning of Prince, Harper Lee, and David Bowie
In 2016 so far, we have said farewell to some of the most legendary names in music, film, literature, and television, including Prince, Harper Lee, and David Bowie — all within the first four months of the year. While nothing can make the horrific loss of these legends better for their families, friends, and fans, […]
Robin Williams: A Life Well-Lived and an Estate Well-Planned
Q. I read your special report on “Estate Planning Mistakes of Celebrities,” demonstrating why probate is such a nightmare and lessons that can be learned from the costly mistakes of celebrities. I appreciate all the advice on “what not to do” when it comes to estate planning. Are there any celebrities that offer examples of […]
How to Avoid Losing Massive Amounts of Money to a Nursing Home
When older adults think of estate planning, many actually have asset protection in mind. What they want is the peace of mind of knowing that the nest egg they’ve been saving for that proverbial “rainy day” will actually be available for them when that rainy day comes. The rainy day, for most people, is when […]