Author Archives: Roger Billings

Jackson Estate: $30 Million to Mother, Children & Charities

Posted on September 14, 2011 by Roger Billings

  The Michael Jackson Estate reports that it has earned $310 million since the King of Pop’s death. Here is an excerpt from Forbes: The executors of Michael Jackson’s estate say they will distribute $30 million to the Jackson Family … Continue reading →






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What is a Living Trust? – Estate Planning Basics

Posted on September 14, 2011 by Roger Billings

  It is time to get back to basics. “Trusts” or “living trusts” are confusing words for many setting up estate plans. Some think a trust is synonomous with a will. Others believe a trust is better than a will, … Continue reading →






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The High Cost of Financial Elder Abuse

Posted on September 13, 2011 by Roger Billings

As Americans live longer, many of them become targets for the unscrupulous. William P. Isele, a New Jersey Elder law attorney, discussed the problem in JDSupra. Here is an excerpt: “When I went to the bank last week, it was obvious the … Continue reading →






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Hidden Perils of Refinancing

Posted on September 7, 2011 by Roger Billings

Be informed when refinancing a home in a living trust. The secret is out. Refinancing contains hidden perils for homes in revocable trusts. Recently I received a call from a client who fortunately had the good sense to question what … Continue reading →






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Holograms, Holographs and Freedom

Posted on May 24, 2011 by Roger Billings

A democracy must have laws. We love to complain about laws, but the first thing a tyrant does when he gets control is tear up the existing rules. A democracy also needs men and women who are willing to stand … Continue reading →






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Part 2 of How to Fund a Living Trust

Posted on April 28, 2011 by Roger Billings

Funding a trust with retirement accounts, life insurance policies, securities and mutual funds requires some explanation on how best to deal with these assets. IRAs, 401ks and related retirement accounts have built-in estate planning, because they allow you to designate … Continue reading →






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How to Fund a Living Trust, Part 1

Posted on March 30, 2011 by Roger Billings

Funding a living trust refers to transferring assets into the trust. If a trust is a box then funding the trust means putting assets into the box.  For assets that are titled, such as real estate, accounts, stocks and bonds, … Continue reading →






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