Template and generic estate plans are usually not a good idea. It is important for a California resident to have an estate plan customized for one’s specific situation. Many people, once they have created an estate plan, will leave it and forget it. However, it is always a good idea to periodically update one’s estate planning strategy […]

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Most Californians with estate plans in place make arrangements concerning the disposition of their money and physical assets after they pass away. However, many of these people forgot to consider their digital assets in their estate planning efforts. This can cause some significant problems when it comes to time to administer the estate. The problem is that […]

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When a person dies in California, his or her estate may be subjected to administration by the probate court. Any assets that were given away prior to the decedent’s passing will not be subjected to probate. Property and assets that were included in a living trust also are not administered by the courts. For people […]

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The Kasem family had a somber Father’s Day as Casey Kasem, the iconic radio personality, passed away on Sunday. He had been in hospice care since Thursday afternoon, an attorney for Kasem’s daughter, Kerri, reported. The rift between Kasem’s children and his wife, Jean had been widely reported as his health declined in 2013. Among […]

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The legal wrangling between Casey Kasem’s wife and Kasem’s children continues. Last week, a judge ordered an investigation in to Kasem’s whereabouts after his children had complained that he had been removed from the state of California without their knowledge. Kasem, who is best known for his long-running radio show detailing America’s top-40 songs, is […]

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Michael Jackson’s estate could be liable for paying more than $500,000 in legal fees if a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge rules in favor of concert promoter AEG. The promoting giant was sued by Jackson’s mother for wrongful death stemming from his demise from a fatal dose of propofol  by former cardiologist Conrad Murray […]

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The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in a bankruptcy case may have long-term implications on estate planning strategies. Essentially, the question before the court is whether a debtor who has sought bankruptcy protection and then inherits a loved one’s retirement account is compelled to turn over the proceeds from such an account to creditors. There is […]

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Famed fashion designer L’Wren Scott reportedly has left her entire estate to her longtime boyfriend, Mick Jagger. Scott was found dead in her Manhattan apartment on March 17, and her death has been ruled a suicide. Her death was a traumatic surprise to those in the fashion industry. According to court documents, Scott’s will indicated […]

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The overriding purpose of a will is for someone to communicate their wishes as to how their assets will be distributed after they pass away. Essentially, a will establishes the rules for distribution, including who is responsible for administering the estate, and it identifies beneficiaries. Without such a document, a person’s belongings may be distributed according to […]

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Michael Jackson’s estate is embroiled in more controversy. It was recently revealed that the King of Pop could have fathered a child, who is now 31 years old. Brandon Howard, who is the son of famed R&B singer Miki Howard, is rumored to be the son that Jackson sung about in his 1983 hit “Billie […]

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