Tag Archives: Wills

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

Posted on September 23, 2015 by Roger Billings

  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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Plant Planning? – Pittsburgh Woman Leaves Philodendron in Her Will

Posted on July 30, 2014 by Roger Billings

Ronna Scoratow’s philodendron is 42 years old. According to the Wall Street Journal: Ms. Scoratow has no children. Her siblings don’t share her enthusiasm for indoor greenery. So last year she put a provision in her will granting $5,000 for … Continue reading →






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Jagger Inherits $9 Million

Posted on April 2, 2014 by Roger Billings

  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

Posted on April 19, 2012 by Roger Billings

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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Can I Avoid Probate of My House by Holding It in Joint Tenancy?

Posted on October 12, 2011 by Roger Billings

  Joint tenancy might be a convenient estate planning shortcut, but it also brings some undesirable risks. Joint tenancy is a form of ownership of property where two or more people hold title to the property with right of survivorship, … Continue reading →






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What Is So Bad About Probate and Why Should It Be Avoided? – Estate Planning Basics

Posted on October 5, 2011 by Roger Billings

  Again it is time to get back to basics. Avoiding probate is a primary reason to set up a living trust instead of a will . There are several reasons to avoid probate, and in California particularly the reasons … Continue reading →






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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 →






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