Cross Law APC

Just over 35 years after his death, the estate of legendary bluesman Muddy Waters is still embroiled in litigation. A key point of contentions is the propriety of semi-annual distributions of royalties by the estate's executor (former manager) to Muddy Water's heirs. The case raises a number of potential questions, including whether the appointment a neutral professional fiduciary can ever serve prevent such a dispute. http://www.wealthmanagement.com//battle-over-muddy-waters-

One of the topics we find interesting and important is the role of behavior of the wealth holder (e.g. parent) and the wealth inheritor (e.g. child or other beneficiary) in the planning process. Beyond any specific estate planning techniques, behavioral patterns and an approach to family planning can influence both the timing and the substance of an estate plan. What do you think can sharing your own estate planning efforts influence your parents’ thinking process about theirs?

The importance of basis and the step-up in basis in estate planning.

"Common Pot" Trusts and Family Values. Are "equal share" distributions always best?: http://caltrustlaw.com/common-pot-trusts-and-family-values/