Archives for 2017

Problem: Blended family with children expecting a decedent parent to recognize their claim to the inheritance before the new wife, which may be the children’s age.  Having the children put the wife on a “budget” to secure the end beneficiary inheritance....

Problem: Business child receives an equal percentage of the business in which the “slacker” sibling receives the benefits of the successful business causing resentment, in-fighting and decreased business efficiencies. Solutions: Honest, objective...

Problem: Beneficiaries are financially capable and mature, or the living trust has not been updated or properly worded to allow for a “see thru” Trust.  Pensions and IRA would distribute either immediately in lump sums or over 5 years periods causing...

Problem: Parents have made one sibling a caretaker for another sibling.  “Normal” sibling has an unwanted responsibility or is overwhelmed by Special Needs sibling.  Results can be resentment, manipulation, harassment.  Special Needs sibling may...

Problem: Triggering event occurs and majority of siblings want to sell the family home displacing one sibling who has lived with decedent parent.  All siblings want the Picasso in their home or the Winston Tear Drop Diamonds.  Not all siblings want...

Problem: Exemption at $5.4 million and combined assets are $5 million each or less.  Traditional Trust provisions require Bypass funding rather than allow flexibility.  Majority of liquid assets are allocated to the Bypass Trust.  Surviving Spouse...

Problem: Triggering events occur; 120-day letter is mailed and siblings are surprised at their being disinherited; trust has disproportionate allocation of assets or requirements to sell assets to which siblings have an attachment; assets go into trust...

Problem: Client pays $4,000 to $6,000 for a Revocable Trust, Pour-Over Will, Health Directives and Powers of Attorney.  Attorney provides a letter of instructions outlining what should be done. Package goes into the office drawer, safe deposit box or...