The Slayer Rule – a frightening term for a frightening crime. In short, the Slayer Statute, addresses a murder motivated by inheritance. Like many mystery films of its kind, Rian Johnson’s 2019 Knives Out opens with a murder. Harlan Thrombey, a wealthy author, is found dead in his Massachusetts mansion. Although his death is first ruled […]
This blog has touched on some of our favorite estate planning and probate movies, including the 2019 who-dun-it, Knives Out. Revisiting this film in particular, and now we are looking at one of the most dramatic moments of the movie – the reading of the Will. In Knives Out, as well as many other movies, we […]
The news that you will be receiving an inheritance is often bittersweet because it means that somebody close to you has passed away. But you might also have mixed emotions about your inheritance for reasons that have to do with the actual accounts or property you are inheriting. On the one hand, you might not want to […]
There are many software programs, as well as websites, that sell do-it-yourself estate planning documents. These websites and form tools seem to offer a convenient and cost-effective alternative to working with an estate planning attorney. But do they really meet your needs and protect your family? Is online, do-it-yourself estate planning worth the perceived upfront savings? […]
Estate planning is about protecting you and your loved ones. Sometimes this can be a difficult endeavor when there is a loved one who may require additional support at your death. While you may want to give as much as possible to this individual, you may not want to do so at the expense of others […]
Cryptocurrency’s popularity has rapidly increased in recent years, with more people buying and selling it. Here are three things you need to know about cryptocurrency in relation to your estate plan. Beware of the Tax Consequences Transferring your cryptocurrency to other people, either during life or at your death, could have income, estate, and gift tax […]
A spouse’s death creates a difficult and demanding time for the surviving partner. As much as you might want space and time alone to process your grief, you may have certain responsibilities related to settling their affairs, including paying off spouse’s debts. Most Americans have some type of debt. The obligation to pay debts does not […]
For LGBTQ+ Americans, estate planning can be even more important. Despite same-sex marriages being legally recognized since 2015, couples composed of sexual and gender minorities still face estate planning challenges not encountered by other “traditional” same-sex couples. Issues such as unaccepting family members, child adoption by nonbiological parents, and LGBTQ+ couples living together unmarried underscore the […]
Although the word “inheritance” usually conjures up images of property or accounts with significant monetary value, you can leave your family an even longer-lasting inheritance by doing these seven things, even if you don’t have a lot of money. Make a Plan Often, people who do not have a lot of money think that it is […]
Not only is Disney’s award-winning animated film Encanto hugely entertaining, it also contains the following valuable estate planning lessons: Leaving a family legacy is important and can have an impact beyond your immediate family. Be sure to consider the significance of multigenerational planning. Treating each beneficiary as a unique person is essential. Naming the “strongest” child […]
