Category Archives: Probate

Heirs Denied Access to Digital Assets After Death?

Posted on September 15, 2011 by Roger Billings

  In another example of how the law has not kept up with technology, your digital assets may be at risk after death. An article from the AFP news service explains some of the problems that occur with on-line assets … Continue reading →






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Probate Dispute Over Warhol Portrait of Farrah

Posted on September 15, 2011 by Roger Billings

The estate of Farrah Fawcett is seeing a large amount of legal wrangling. Farrah left her painting collection to the University of Texas. Ryan O’Neal has possession of a famous portrait of Farrah by Andy Warhol. O’Neal claims Warhol gave … Continue reading →






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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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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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