Your Estate Planning “Bucket List”

Jun 19, 2013 / By: Deborah Sexton, Estate Planning Attorney

Category: Asset Protection, Deceased Person's Debts, Estate Planning, Uncategorized

Did you see the movie “Bucket List”?   The concept is basically that you have a list of things to accomplish before you kick the proverbial bucket.   One of the best things you can do...

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Michael Crichton Didn’t Update His Estate Plans, Leaving His Wife and Baby Empty-Handed

Jun 17, 2013 / By: Deborah Sexton, Estate Planning Attorney

Category: probate, Trusts, Uncategorized, Wills

Forgetting to amend your Will or Living Trust when your marital status changes, or if there is a new addition to the family, or in other major life circumstances, could leave someone that you love...

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All Guardians Are Not Created Equal — Actions Should Be Judged On Case-By-Case Basis

Jun 17, 2013 / By: Deborah Sexton, Estate Planning Attorney

Category: Asset Protection, Elder Care, Fiduciaries, Uncategorized

Any person appointed as a guardian in an estate context will be under close scrutiny to act in the estate’s best interest.  But a recent Arkansas Supreme Court case makes clear that the definition of...

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Whitney Houston Didn’t Have a Living Trust – Her Will Was Filed Publicly in Probate Court

Jun 14, 2013 / By: Deborah Sexton, Estate Planning Attorney

Category: probate, Trusts, Wills

Would you want others to see private details such as how much money you had and who you left it to when you died? Did you know that this can happen if you die with...

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Guardians Should Be Monitored Closely

Jun 12, 2013 / By: Deborah Sexton, Estate Planning Attorney

Category: Elder Care, Elder Law, Fiduciaries, Incapacity Planning, Uncategorized

Unfortunately, it is not unusual these days to hear of guardians who do not act in the financial best interests of those they care for.  But even some public guardians, who are charged with the...

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Top Tips for Selecting the Best Estate Planning Attorney

Jun 10, 2013 / By: Deborah Sexton, Estate Planning Attorney

Category: Estate Planning

When you select an estate planning attorney, you are making a big decision. This individual will prepare the documents that ultimately protect your family and your assets; therefore, you want someone you can trust entirely....

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Amy Winehouse Didn’t Have an Estate Plan, Leaving Behind a $6.7 Million Estate

Jun 7, 2013 / By: Deborah Sexton, Estate Planning Attorney

Category: Estate Planning, Trusts, Wills

Did you know that 66 percent of adults don’t have an Estate Plan? Whether you are wealthy or have a modest estate, proper estate planning is critical. When she unexpectedly passed away at age 27...

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Tips for Selecting the Right Trustee

Jun 5, 2013 / By: Deborah Sexton, Estate Planning Attorney

Category: Estate Planning, Trusts

If you’re setting up a trust, you have to select a trustee to manage the assets within that trust. While you will leave instructions, you still need to select a person who is responsible enough...

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Four Important Measures for Estate Planning

Jun 3, 2013 / By: Deborah Sexton, Estate Planning Attorney

Category: Estate Planning

You have taken the right steps and started your estate plan. An estate plan is a valuable tool that protects your loved ones, estate and any associated assets. But, if you don’t take the right...

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Specific gifts in estate planning may avoid “Dallas”-style drama

May 31, 2013 / By: Deborah Sexton, Estate Planning Attorney

Category: Advanced Estate Planning, Estate Planning, Gifting, Inheritance Planning, Tangible Personal Property, Uncategorized

The case of J.R. Ewing and the family jewels.  Sounds like an episode of Dallas, right?  But now it is actually part of a real-life drama involving the estate planning of the late Larry Hagman. ...

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