Lawyers for Mr. Cohen say that he was entrusted with his father’s business, and that the two men enjoyed a close and caring relationship. But lawyers for Ms. Perelman claimed that it was that closeness that allowed Mr. Cohen, who eventually took over operations of Hudson Media, to manipulate the…
From checking Unclaimed Property to setting up automatic bill payments, here are some simple tips each of us can use to keep our finances organized this year. Although you may not live in Missouri and it may not be "spring cleaning" season, Missouri State Treasurer Clint Zweifel offered sound financial…
Is inherited wealth making a comeback? Is leaving an inheritance a good or bad idea? Well, it all depends on who you ask. For example, a recently published book by French economist Thomas Piketty, “Capital in the Twenty-First Century,” argues that estates are getting larger and eventually most of the…
“What about the wife?” the social worker asked. How could we have missed this most basic and vital piece of information? It’s easier than you might think. The sister didn’t get along with the wife and apparently wasn’t moved to tell us of her existence. The social worker had been…
“While there are a number of ways to address estate tax liabilities and retirement savings distinctly, developments in the life insurance arena are providing new and potentially better options. These strategies are highly versatile to meet the evolving needs of the individual many years into the future.” As those in…
Carl J Drake spent his life studying bugs, everything from aphids to water striders. When he died in 1965, the entomologist left his life savings and his vast insect collection to the Smithsonian. But now Drake's will has become something of a pest. The case of the Smithsonian Museum and…
Succession planning where company ownership is concerned can be fairly complicated, but at a simple level every plan is based on two basic issues. You’ve probably thought a lot about who will take over for you; that’s one. But, just as importantly, how can you make sure what you want to happen will happen?…
New rules and enforcement guidelines may render certain artwork not only illegal to export or import, but also unsalable within the United States. Houston is a very international city and residents have traveled the world, returning with valuable artwork. Valuing artwork is never an easy task. It gets all the…
The tax law makes clear that the taxpayer has the burden of substantiating the value of the property. To this end, a taxpayer must not only comply with the procedural requirements for valuation, but must also persuade the trier of fact that his claimed valuation is correct. How do you…
Everyone knows someone who hardly speaks to his brother or sister or aunt simply because of a misunderstanding over an inheritance. Inheritance planning can be a direct mode of expression, whether of appreciation for a person or an extolling of virtues. But can these expressions be taken the wrong way…