Most of the press concerning Jeffrey Epstein concerns the despicable crimes of which he is accused. Of interest to this author is the Will and other estate documents signed by Epstein merely two days before his death by suicide. There are legitimate reasons why a person in prison or in…
Our readers may be aware of the recent death of fashion icon Gloria Vanderbilt. Having died at the ripe old age of 95, Ms. Vanderbilt’s life had many interesting dimensions. From a legal perspective, Vanderbilt experienced a Court proceeding as a young child that is instructive to our clientele. The…
Our readers may be aware of the business activities recently announced by the Executor of the Estate of deceased pop icon Whitney Houston. After having rejected prior business opportunities, the Executor has decided to enter an arrangement with a music and marketing company to have a touring hologram of Ms.…
So long as one is alive and mentally capable, one is in control of her own financial and legal affairs. Once a person passes away, a fiduciary needs to be appointed by the Surrogate’s Court to determine and pay estate debts , collect and distribute assets, file relevant tax returns and…
Music lovers, reeling from the recent news of Aretha Franklin’s death, have now found out that the “Queen of Soul” died intestate, without a will. This blog has previously addressed the matter of another musician, Prince, having passed away without a will and the legal repercussions. We will address the…
News outlets have recently reported on the Will contest brought by the children of the late country singer Glen Campbell. This post will address the concepts of diminished capacity and undue influence and whether these concepts can potentially invalidate a Will in New York. In general, a person can make…
We have written extensively about the pitfalls in not having a will. As such, many clients heed that warning and request that their attorney draft a will and other associated estate documents on their behalf. While these clients have taken responsible action and had their estate documents drafted, additional tasks are required. We suggest…
As our political landscape is more uncertain than ever after this week’s election results, our readers cannot be certain that estate tax repeal is on the horizon. Also, most people do not own substantial assets so that estate taxes may apply to their estates. However, most of our clients could…
Our firm wants to extend its best wishes to all Dads for a happy Father’s Day. We would like to mention some gift ideas of a legal nature that cannot be purchased in an ordinary department store. Your Father may be on the verge of retirement. As such, he may be…
If you are like this author , someone close to you may be about to turn eighteen years of age. This post will discuss the legal ramifications of turning eighteen. Additional rights and privileges as well as legal responsibilities occur once a “child” becomes eighteen. Such a person can now vote,…