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Legally, pets are considered personal property of their owners, but for many people their pets mean so much more than any piece of furniture or inanimate object. They can be a person’s best friend, companion, and family. When a person begins the estate planning process the pets need to be…
The California Supreme Court ruled that people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease are not liable for injuries that they may cause to paid, in-home caregivers. The court ruled in favor of a couple sued by their in-home caregiver when she was hurt by the wife, who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. Facts…
When many business owners talk about business strategy they often refer to financing, expansion, partnerships, marketing, and the like. However, many business owners fail to take into consideration the question of continuity and business succession. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, over 70% of all small business owners do…
A trust, in particular an incentive trust, can be a very useful tool for someone who wants to provide for his heirs but is not sure that the heirs can use the inheritance constructively. A trust can encourage personal responsibility and accomplishment for the beneficiaries; however, it can also cause…
One of the most confusing aspects of the Medicaid program is the look back period for asset transfers and how it can affect the eligibility for applicants to the program. The Medicaid program is different than the Medicare program, although people often think of the two terms as interchangeable. Medicare…
In an oral ruling last week a probate court judge ruled in favor of Shelly Sterling selling the Los Angeles Clippers against Donald Sterling’s objections. Judge Michael Levanas ruled in a probate Los Angeles Superior Court case that Shelley has the authority to sell the professional basketball team to businessman…
Recent studies have shown that talking about inheritance is still a taboo subject for many families, and the avoidance of the subject could lead to many issues down the road. An estimated $40 trillion of wealth will be passed down to heirs as the Baby Boomer generation passes away. According…
In the recent Tax Court case of Estate of Marie P. Frappolli v. Director, Division of Taxation, a domestic partnership lost estate tax benefits because they did not register as a couple with the state. As an alternative to marriage equality, New Jersey had introduced the option to register as…
Over 1.4 million seniors are currently living in a nursing home in the United States. While most dislike or fear nursing homes, it is usually the best option for a senior that needs 24-hour care. Nursing homes typically have a reputation for being smelly, unfriendly, and indifferent places where the…
It was recently reported that prior to his death, Philip Seymour Hoffman rejected the advice of both his attorneys and accountant when planning his estate. Instead of leaving his estate to his children, Hoffman left his entire $34 million estate to his long-term girlfriend and mother of his kids. He…