When an individual becomes unable to make necessary life decisions on his or her own, that person likely needs someone in a position to make those decisions for him or her. Of course, you would likely want to have someone you trust and who acts responsibly to have...
Ernie Banks’ children, caregiver battle over his estate
California baseball fans may have heard that the will of Chicago Cubs baseball great Ernie Banks is the subject of a tumultuous fight in Illinois. Banks, affectionately known as Mr. Cub, died of a heart condition on Jan. 23 at the age of 83. Banks left his entire...
Preventing will contests in California
The vast majority of wills in California are presented to the probate court and their instructions are carried out without any problems. However, on rare occasions the validity of a will may be contested. Most successful challenges to a will are based on either the...
Decision to serve as executor should not be automatic
Being asked to act as the executor of an estate is an honor for many people, as it signals that the individual asking them considers them trustworthy and competent enough to see to the winding down of their estate. However, acting as the executor of an estate is a big...
Parents increasingly making children wait longer for inheritance
According to estate planning attorneys across the country, more and more parents are opting to make their heirs wait until they are older before they are able to collect their inheritances. Whereas it used to be common practice to make children wait for the...
Consider carefully before accepting appointment as executor or trustee
Most people like to feel important and receive some kind of recognition of their importance from family, at some level. Within families, there are various ways this recognition cane come: a request to be a best man or maid/matron of honor; a guardian; a godparent; a...
