Category Archives: Wills

What is a Pour-Over Will? – Estate Planning Basics

  It is time to get back to basics. A Living Trust takes the place of a Will. The Trust specifies how the estate is going to be disposed and who has the responsibility for carrying out its instructions. See … Continue reading






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The Bottom Line for Estate Plans

Lynn Balou, a financial planner in the San Francisco Bay area, published an update of important points to consider in estate planning. Her final exhortation summarizes well the purpose and effect of a good estate plan: Bottom line: Each of … Continue reading






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Did She Leave a Will and If So, Where Is It?

A common question is how to find a will of a deceased relative. About.com has an explanation here of the steps to go through to find the will, including how to obtain a copy from a probate court, how to … Continue reading






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The Trials of Inheriting a Fortune – Whitney Houston’s Heirs

The inheritance of Whitney Houston’s daughter, Bobbi Kristina Brown, is stirring up family controversy. This from the Trials and Heirs blog: Although you should take tabloid reports with a grain of skepticism,  there can be no question that Bobbi Kristina’s marriage … Continue reading






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Jagger Inherits $9 Million

  From the Telegraph: L’Wren Scott, the fashion designer who committed suicide last week, left her entire estate of $9 million to her long-time boyfriend Sir Mick Jagger, according to a new report. The contents of her simple will, which … Continue reading






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Dick Clark Left a Fortune

Sound business decisions  made it possible for Dick Clark to amass a huge fortune. Did he also leave a sound estate plan? Will there also be a huge estate tax bill? We’ll keep you posted. Meanwhile, here is some more info … Continue reading






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Leading Cause of Estate Planning Paralysis is Choosing Guardian

  Arden Dale of The Wall Street Journal provides suggestions for overcoming the paralysis arising from the anxiety of choosing a guardian for minor children: Many parents drag their feet for fear of picking the wrong person. Advisers say they … Continue reading






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