Tag Archives: Probate

What are the Benefits of a Living Trust? – Estate Planning Basics

Posted on September 21, 2011 by Roger Billings

It is time again to get back to basics. You want an estate plan, but why go to the trouble of setting up a living trust? It may not be a good fit for everyone, but a living trust … Continue reading →

Posted in Estate Planning, Estate Planning Basics, Incapacity Planning, Living Trusts, Probate | Tagged Estate Planning, Estate Planning Basics, Incapacity Planning, Living Trust, Probate, Wills | Comments Off

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 →

Posted in Estate Planning, Living Trusts, Probate | Tagged Digital Assets, Estate Planning, Heirs, Probate | Comments Off

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 →

Posted in Celebrity Probates, Charitable Giving, Estate Planning, Probate | Tagged Andy Warhol, Celebrity Probates, Charitable Giving, Farrah Fawcett, Personal Property, Probate, University of Texas | Comments Off

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 →

Posted in Celebrity Probates, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills | Tagged Celebrity Probates, Distributions, Michael Jackson Estate, Probate | Comments Off

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 →

Posted in Estate Planning, Law, Living Trusts, Probate, Real Estate, Trust Funding | Tagged Estate Planning, Living Trust, Probate, Property Deeds, Real Estate, Trust Funding, Updates | Comments Off

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 →

Posted in Estate Planning, Holographic Wills, Law, Probate, Wills | Tagged Estate Planning, Freedom, Hologram, Holographic Wills, Memorial Day, Patriotic Duty, Probate, Rights, Rule of Law, Soldiers, Veterans, Wills | Comments Off

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 →

Posted in Estate Planning, Living Trusts, Probate, Real Estate, Trust Funding | Tagged automobiles, Bank accounts, Estate Planning, life insurance, Probate, Property Deeds, Real Estate, Retirement Accounts, Trust Funding | Comments Off