Science and the law sometimes leapfrog over each other. In general, it is the law which strives to keep pace. For example, if a scientist “discovers” a genome, can he or she own it? Recently it was reported that posthumous in-vitro fertilization has led to a new legal wrinkle. If a child is conceived with …. Read More
Many of our social views and opinions are shaped by the times during which we were raised and our young adult years. For example, those who lived through the Great Depression may be thrifty savers for their entire lifetimes, even when there is no longer a need. One difference between generations is the way in …. Read More
When most of us think of QTIPs we may think of cleaning in small spaces. When an estate planning professional thinks of QTIPs he or she would be thinking of a qualified terminable interest property trust. A QTIP is a special type of trust that is highly useful during estate planning, particularly for the blended …. Read More
Can A Will Be Too Specific? Those of us who live in California are no stranger to the behavior of the rich and famous. In some cases, eccentric behavior reaches out past the grave. Leona Helmsley left millions to her dog. The Executive Editor of Captain America and Iron Man willed that his ashes would …. Read More
Our California readers have no doubt heard of estate taxes. They are taxes which must be paid on inheritance amounts of $1 million or more for an individual or $2 million or more for a couple. The estate tax has changed in recent years, but in one notable year it was totally gone. 2010 is …. Read More
It is the rare person in California or anywhere who is glad to lose a parent or grandparent. However, a piece of good news connected with the loss of a loved one, is a potential inheritance. A recent study titled “Do People Save or Spend Their Inheritances? Understanding What Happens to Inherited Wealth,” looks at estate …. Read More
Recently, a same-sex couple thought they were doing everything right. They had been together nearly 25 years and were married in San Francisco when it became legal to do so. They each named the other as beneficiary on life insurance policies. Their property was in both their names. However, they moved to another state that …. Read More
