It’s hard to imagine legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix preparing a will; only 27 when he died, he likely did not have a great deal of assets. However, his estate grew after his death, and his not having a will, combined with a lopsided will of his father, led to years…
Articles Posted in Estate Plan
Are Bitcoins Part of Your Houston Estate?
To the digerati – the elite of the technology world – Bitcoins are as valuable as the dollar or any other state-sponsored currency. But the rules are still under development for estate planning purposes, and planning for an estate that includes Bitcoins must take this into account. Most people know…
NY Psychiatrist Accused of Undue Influence Over Vulnerable Patient
The classic story of a vulnerable wealthy elderly person being influenced by a caretaker who seeks to enrich him or herself has been updated in a dispute between a disinherited brother and psychiatrist/girlfriend of a Texas woman who is alleged to have been manipulated out of millions. A successful and…
Daughter’s Disinheritance Ruled “Unreasonable;” Mother’s Will Reversed
In most cases, as long as basic principles are followed, a person is entitled by law to leave whatever he or she wishes to their heirs. There are no requirements to leave assets to adult children, but a recent ruling in a London Court of Appeals may change this. When…
Family Feud: Sibling Rivalry Extends Beyond the Grave
Wealthy mining magnate Harry Magnuson thought that his estate plan was all settled, and it was, while he was alive. But his wife did not follow the plan he had created, and as a result, one of the Magnuson children is now suing his siblings over an inheritance. When Harry…
$788K Estate Could Remain Unclaimed
Thus far, many people have attempted to establish a link – none have been successful. If no one claims the inheritance in 30 years, the money goes to the British crown. No will or other estate planning documents could be found for Kathleen Hilda Ryan, who passed away in Greenwhich,…
Can I Have Your Password, Please?
“‘Do you have any important business online?’ That is now just as important of a conversation as asking somebody their health care preferences in a life-threatening situation.” Leaving your digital accounts out of your Houston estate plan can prove to be a big, bad mistake. Most digital accounts require passwords…
Houston Families: Be Aware of Elder Fraud
A Walnut Ridge woman was arrested Thursday for forging a will after someone else had died. Another scammer made the news recently, this time involving a forged will. KAIT reported the story in an article titled "Woman arrested for forging new will after someone died." An Arkansas woman, Kimberly Dement…
DIY Estate Planning May Not Work for Houston Families
People have many options today for creating their own estate planning documents. Forms can be purchased quickly from websites and books. However, trying to create your own estate plan can actually be more expensive than hiring an attorney. Everyone knows that attorneys can be expensive. This is just as true…
Will Battles Happen in New Zealand Too
Although the vast majority of estates aren't contested, the more money that is at stake, the more incentive a family member has to try to get some of it. Certain family issues in the United Staes are unique to our country. However, some people tend to have the same behaviors…