Mamma Mia!: Common Estate Planning Issues for Blended Families
An Executor’s Guide to Administering an Estate
Interview with Lisa Grayson - Digital Planning Podcast
Inheritance Data - Digital Planning Podcast
The prudence of estate planning extends far beyond the question of “what happens to my money, assets, and belongings at the end of my life?” Estate planning facilitates shrewd planning and management of one’s life and...more
Probate is the legal process of administering a Decedent’s Last Will & Testament (“Will”), whereby assets owned by the Decedent at death are distributed pursuant to the terms of their Will, or if there is no Will, according...more
Irrevocable trusts have long been a valuable arrow in the quiver of the high-net-worth estate planner. An irrevocable trust can provide tax advantages by minimizing estate taxes and preserving wealth for future generations....more
While every probate dispute is unique, there are some issues that commonly arise. When the validity of a will or trust is contested, one family member or group may accuse other family member or members of undue influence or...more
Everyone should have an estate plan. Your estate plan is the roadmap in a crisis, providing guidance to loved ones on how to proceed and ensuring your wishes and goals are met. For those with young children or children with...more
In this episode of Legacy Lessons, Shawn R. McClelland, Partner in our Tax, Trusts, and Estates Practice Group, walks us through one of the most common estate planning questions families face: Should I create a will, or do I...more
In In re Est. of Prieto, the contestant’s mother executed a will in 2008 leaving her property to a trust. No. 04-22-00038-CV, 2024 Tex. App. LEXIS 6336 (Tex. App.—San Antonio August 28, 2024, no pet.)....more
The Alzheimer’s Association says that more than 55 million people are living with dementia worldwide. In the United States the figure for Alzheimer’s alone is nearly 7 million, on pace to hit 13 million by 2050. We all know...more
It is a common misconception believed by many that having a will avoids probate. Not only is it false, it really could not be further from the truth. Rather, a will is a tool that is often used during the probate process and...more
Arizona is a popular destination for people who are considering moving to a new state. According to the U.S. Census Bureau‘s American Community Survey, over a quarter of a million people move to Arizona every year....more
Much has been written about courts invalidating instruments or transactions after a person’s death. Courts invalidating instruments or transactions during a person’s lifetime is discussed less often. A mechanism for doing so...more
Especially in the beginning stages of building a family, legal documentation is not often top of mind. However, for young families, establishing a comprehensive estate plan is an important and proactive step toward...more
Your will is meant to ensure that your final wishes are honored. However, it can sometimes be contested, potentially leading to lengthy legal battles and financial disputes among your heirs. Understanding when and why a will...more
Liam Payne’s sudden and tragic death shocked the world—but what followed should concern anyone without an estate plan. Despite a $32 million fortune, the former One Direction star left no will, leaving behind a young son, an...more
In Estate of Richards, a probate court entered an order appointing a receiver of estate property. No. 11-23-00031-CV, 2024 Tex. App. LEXIS 8626 (Tex. App.—Eastland December 12, 2024, no pet. history)....more
A Hollywood Legend’s Final Act: A Lesson in Estate Planning - The world recently bid farewell to legendary actor Gene Hackman, who passed away on February 18, 2025, at the age of 95. Just six days earlier, his wife, Betsy...more
Estate planning is not a task that often comes to mind for those who are newlyweds or those parents who are in the midst of raising young children. Either you’re still enjoying the post-wedding excitement and promise of a new...more
Welcome to The Verdict: Estate Planning Through Film. I'm Hons Yung, and today I’m joined by Farella Senior Associate Taylor Porter to discuss the movie Mamma Mia! With ABBA's blend of pop, rock, and disco setting the tone,...more
When is the executor nominated by the decedent in a will deemed unfit to serve as executor? Rarely – but a recent decision in Surrogates Court set forth the standard and deemed the nominated executor in that case unfit to...more
Before shifting my practice from estate planning to estate litigation, I witnessed up close the challenges and frustrations associated with the California probate process. That has changed for many Californians. Assembly Bill...more
The recent death of legendary actor, Gene Hackman, age 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, age 65, has brought attention to the complexities surrounding their estate and illustrates the need for proper estate planning. At his...more
In Arizona, spring is when the sun shines brightly, and the temperatures are perfect for enjoying outdoor activities. As much as we love the spring warmth, it is important to remember that with all that sunshine comes the...more
A recent appellate case serves as a valuable lesson for both estate planners and beneficiaries about adhering to formal procedures when making changes to a trust. The court found that the mere exchange of emails was...more
The recent passing of legendary actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65, within days of each other in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home underscores the importance of contingency planning and other factors in...more
California’s Assembly Bill 2016 – which goes into effect April 1 – introduces significant positive changes to the probate process, particularly for primary residences. The law raises the value threshold for primary residences...more