Did Kobe Disinherit His Baby?

Not likely according his widow’s recent petition filed in a Los Angeles County Probate Court. What Happened? Kobe Bryant created a trust in April 2003, shortly after the birth of his oldest daughter Natalia, 17. It was amended several times through… Read More

What is Estate Planning?

Estate Planning. You hear the term, but do you know what it is exactly? Does it mean having a will drafted? Perhaps it means a will and power of attorney. In this blog I will go over the term estate planning. You have an Estate If you Google the term… Read More

5 of the Strangest Wills

For those who follow my blog, you know that I enjoy finding unique will provisions, especially of the rich and famous. This week I want to share with you 5 strange wills that I have found. 1. Romantic: Jack Benny was a legendary comedian who can stil… Read More

5 Things Do-It-Yourself Wills Don't Have

1. Right Bargain Everybody loves a good bargain. However, it is important to remember the old adage “you get what you pay for.” I would suspect most people would agree that there are just some things you don’t want to buy at a bargain rate. Thi… Read More

Do You Need a Will or Trust?

I often receive calls or emails from clients requesting a will and trust. When I explore their estate planning goals, I realize these terms are often used together. However, there are some major differences. The topic of this week’s blog is whether… Read More

Can a Killer Inherit?

I will admit that I am a fan of Dateline ID and the various other murder shows. Some of these shows have titles such as Wives with Knives, Married with Secrets and Til Death Do Us Part. The names alone just beg you to watch, right? Those shows must h… Read More

Did Kobe Have a Will?

When I heard about the tragic death of Kobe Bryant and 8 others who died in the helicopter crash on January 26, 2020, one of my first thoughts was “Did he have a will?” What to Protect? At the time of his death, he was married and had 4 children.… Read More

Can I Get a Witness?

Witnesses are an integral part of making a valid will. Of course, if it is a holographic will, which means it is entirely in your own handwriting, then you do not need a witness of the will. But, what does it mean to witness a will? And, what are the… Read More

Can X Mark the Spot?

Signing the will is one of the most important parts of making a valid will. But what is a signature? The courts say it is any visible mark made by a testator (person making the will) with the intent that the mark be a signature. Many options are avai… Read More

The Will of the Queen of Mean

The Queen of Mean is certainly not a moniker many would choose to embrace. Billionaire Leona Helmsely was branded with the title years ago by the press. She died in 2007 and left some interesting provisions in her will. Who Was She? Some people may n… Read More