This is a story that any professional working with seniors finds particularly abhorrent. An investigation by the New Jersey State Police and the Division of Criminal Justice uncovered a scheme by a New Jersey woman, her sister and several others—including an attorney—to steal millions from elderly clients they were supposed…
When Fritz Detmer passed away, he left his son, Tols Detmer, an estate worth several hundred thousand dollars. The terms of the will were that Tols was not to get his inheritance until he turned 18. Now, Tols is 19 and he is suing his own mother, Charlinette Detmer, for…
Probate records are open to the public and many individuals seek planning methods that may protect the privacy and security of survivors. Estate planning is one tool where individuals may keep the contents of their wills, details of assets, and private matters private. Interestingly, judges have the authority to seal…
The ongoing James Brown estate battle continues and the complexities begin with the value of the estate. As you may recall, his estate plan called for his music empire to be put into a charitable trust and used to help needy students. Nevertheless, despite the fact that his will contained…
Perhaps if Dr. Nathaniel Shafer knew what was to come, he may have made some changes to his will that might have precluded a nasty dispute between his wife and his children from a previous marriage. Dr. Shafer’s will leaves a $10 million estate entirely to his wife and her…
Recollections of re-writing a will or scribbling changes to a will after the document has been executed are common. There is a process and procedure to revoking a will. Without the guidance of an experienced estate attorney, a prior and properly executed will trumps a do-it-yourself will. A recent article…