Estate Planning

Find newsworthy stories on estate planning—including poor estate planning, and issues and tips for last will and testaments, living wills and living trusts.

Landlord's Living Trust Gives House to Struggling Tenant
Apr 29, 2011

Norbert Stein, a landlord who purchased a number of homes in south San Diego County, California, during the 1960s and 1970s, recently added a provision in his living trust that gives a home to a struggling tenant.

The San Diego Union Tribune reports that the 98-year-old butcher lowered the tenant's rent previously due to financial and health problems, but recently decided to simply give the house to the struggling contractor.

"I only paid $22,500 for it years ago," Stein said. "It’s an old house.

Children of Tony Curtis Sue For Portion of Last Will
Apr 20, 2011

The children of actor Tony Curtis, who were reportedly left out of their father's last will and testament, are suing to gain a portion of his significant fortune, the Daily Mail reports.

According to the news source, Curtis' eldest child, Kelly, has already taken legal action to contest the will, while second daughter Alexandra is also reportedly pondering a lawsuit.

The news provider reports that the appeals of the last will and testament stem from the fact that Tony Curtis always said that there would be money for his children and grandchildren when he died.

New Hampshire Town Purchases Land From Living Trust
Apr 12, 2011

The purchase of a 17-acre portion of land from a living trust by the city of Rochester, New Hampshire, could give local residents more access to water, reports Foster's Daily Democrat.

According to the news provider, the Rochester City Council recently allowed City Manager Bob Steele to enter into an agreement with the Allain-Feuer Family Revocable Living Trust for the land that surrounds Round Pond in Barrington.

Living Will Crucial in Clarifying Final Wishes
Apr 11, 2011

While it is undoubtedly difficult to think about one's final days, it is crucial to plan for these times in order to make them as comfortable as possible.

According to a recent article in the Centre Daily Times, a living will is one of the most important documents a person should prepare towards the end of their life.

Florida Attorney Facing Possible Disbarment in Last Will Case
Apr 11, 2011

A Florida Keys attorney could possibly face disbarment after he allegedly changed the will of a deceased client to award himself a gift of $200,000 and his wife $63,000 for caring for the client's dog.

The Miami Herald reports that Florida Keys resident Ina Meyers signed the last will and testament with the intention of helping others with her estate, which is reportedly worth more than $2 million.

Among the organizations that the woman bequeathed money to were the Marathon Domestic Abuse Shelter, Friends of the Marathon Library, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's So