The progressive nature of dementia makes advance directives necessary to manage the health care needs of the patient. When adult children suspect that one or both of their parents may be suffering from the early symptoms of dementia, it’s a good idea to sit down with an experienced elder care…
Houston Estate Planning and Elder Law Attorney Blog
Left Out of Dad’s Will, Court Awards Son $15 Million
The fight over Conrad Prebys’ $1 billion estate continues, three years after the San Diego developer and philanthropist died. When the directors of the Conrad Prebys Foundation decided to give his son Eric $15 million, despite the fact that his father had left him out of the will, Preby’s longtime…
Is a Trust Right for Your Estate Plan?
A trust is a complex document, but taking the time to read it a few times will prove enlightening. If you have questions, call your estate planning attorney, so they can help clarify anything you don’t understand. Attorneys do try to simplify documents when they can, so that clients will…
When Is It Time to Update A Will?
Notice that the title is not “if” you need to update a will, but “when.” A will is like the family pet—it can protect the house and demonstrate your love for your family. However, you have to take care of it. People often comment when they complete their estate planning,…
These Money Mistakes Add Up Fast
It’s not how much you earn, but how much you keep that makes the difference in lifestyle and retirement. Keep more of your hard-earned money, by making fewer money mistakes. Some of the most common money mistakes cost thousands of dollars. All you need to do is pay attention to…
Where Will the Vanderbilt Wealth Go, If Not to Anderson Cooper?
When Gloria Vanderbilt died at age 95, it was truly the end of an era. Her life included the high society world of old New York and the disco scene at Studio 54. However, her son Anderson Cooper reports that he won’t inherit any money from his mother. Gloria Vanderbilt’s…
Basics of a Special Needs Trust
Parents of special needs children need to be especially proactive about planning for the future. Their planning should start with an estate plan, that includes a Special Needs Trust. It’s one of the hardest things for any parent to think about, but for special needs families, planning for the child’s…
Overturned Will Costs Cab Driver Hefty Legal Fees
This bizarre story of an estate battle concerns a man who wanted to be driven to local pubs, a taxi driver and the passenger’s significant other. A legal bill for an unusual estate battle must be now paid by a cabbie who had inherited a regular fare’s entire estate. The…
George Michael’s Ex Isn’t Giving Up Just Yet
There were a lot of headlines after Kenny Goss and Michael’s former lover Fadi Fawaz were cut out of the late singer’s will. Fawaz is now reported to be planning to contest the will. Most of the late George Michael’s £98 million estate will be shared by his sisters Yioda…
Stan Lee and Peter Max’s Elder Abuse Cases
There are definitely advantages to all the perks of fame and fortune that come with being a celebrity. However, aging celebrities are just as vulnerable as regular people, when it comes to elder financial abuse. The major difference is that their stories are reported in the news. Recent news stories…