Federal district judge Richard M. Berman is now a famous federal district court judge. Today, Judge Berman reversed a ruling by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to suspend Tom Brady for four games, due to the “deflategate” dispute over underinflated balls Brady allegedly used in the AFC Championship game in January, against the Indianapolis Colts. Judge…
Details
While everyone, including myself, has caught Royal Baby Fever-itis just in time for the second Royal Baby, estate planner all over the United States are buzzing about the latest news regarding the reveal of Princess Diana’s will. 18 years after the young Princess’s untimely death, for the first time, her will has been revealed. Of…
Details
Unlike some other celebrities, Robin Williams created a detailed estate plan so that his children and second wife, Susan Schneider Williams would avoid any bitter family disputes that tend to plague blended families. Sadly, the widow and adult children of Robin Williams will be battling in a San Francisco court over his estate. Susan Schneider…
Details
Dean Smith–University of North Carolina Basketball Coach for 34 Years—-Leaves $200 To Every Player He Coached The Trustee of the Dean E. Smith Revocable Trust sent out a letter to each per Dean Smith’s instructions left in his will. In the letter, the trustee spelled out Coach Dean Smith’s wishes per the will and the…
Details
The 2014 Oscars are complete. Trial & Heirs looks back at past Oscar winners like Philip Seymour Hoffman, Elizabeth Taylor, Heath Ledger, Frank Sinatra, and Marlon Brando. Their estates illustrate important estate planning lessons that everyone can benefit from — even those who aren’t walking the red carpet at the Oscars. 1. Philip Seymour Hoffman Estate…
Details
The Paul Walker estate is one that can be used as a teaching lesson for many of us. Here’s why: Paul William Walker IV was the star of the Fast & Furious movies, until his unfortunate — and ironic — death in a high-speed car accident on November 30, 2013. The car, in which Walker…
Details
George Washington’s Last Will and Testament, 9 July 1799 [Mount Vernon, 9 July 1799] In the name of God amen I George Washington of Mount Vernon—a citizen of the United States, and lately President of the same, do make, ordain and declare this Instrument; which is written with my own hand and every page thereof…
Details
Huguette Clark was born in 1906 into a life of wealth and privilege, the daughter of an American copper and railroad baron, raised in a 121-room Manhattan mansion, the city’s largest private residence. She could have enjoyed the high life of parties and travel, but instead opted for seclusion and secrecy, withdrawing from society almost…
Details
Many people never stop to think of how hard a job it is to administer the estate or trust of someone who passes away. Often, it’s a thankless job, filled with headaches. That’s certainly been the case for the Michael Jackson Estate executors: entertainment attorney John Branca and music executive John McClain. Well, at least…
Details
Amanda Bynes’ parents have filed court documents to become her temporary conservators. Rick and Lynn Bynes hired respected attorneys Tamar Arminak and Patrick Reider, and officially applied to gain legal control of the actress’s personal welfare and financial affairs on Thursday (25.07.13), as she remains under an involuntary hold in a psychiatric hospital in California.…
Details
Richie Valens: The Day the Music Died On Feburary 2, 1959, rock and roll legend Richie Valens was killed in a plane crash in Iowa. Also on board were Buddy Holly and The Big Bopper. The day later became known as The Day the Music Died. But how did Valens end up on this plane?…
Details
Did Tammy Wynette Want To Disinherit Her Children? Virginia Wynette Pugh, who later became known as Tammy Wynette, was born in Mississippi on May 5, 1942 to a family of cotton farmers. Tammy’s father died when Tammy was just an infant. As Tammy grew up, she taught herself to play a variety of musical instruments…
Details