Estate Planning and Alzheimer’s for the Denver Bronco’s Owner

Pat Bowlen, president and owner of the NFL Denver Bronco’s Team has resigned as President due to having Alzheimer’s disease. He has struggled with this disease for at least five (5) years. He is 70 years old. The team is held by his Trust. This is another example of a well-known individual in the news... [Read More]

Summer Travel and Heathcare Authority

Summer is when many Americans are traveling out-of-state. They are on vacation to new places or to visit with loved ones or family. As we cross state lines one concern is that our Healthcare Power of Attorney a/k/a Healthcare Proxy might not be accepted in another state. For example if you have a Healthcare Power... [Read More]

Donald Sterling’s Estate Planning – Part 3

On July 7, 2014 a Los Angeles judge will have a hearing to determine whether or not Donald Sterling is capable of serving as Trustee of his and his wife’s Trust. The Trust controls the entity which holds the Los Angeles Clippers, a NBA professional basketball team. Under the Sterling’s Estate Planning their Trust contains... [Read More]

Baseball Great Tony Gwynn Dies at 54

Hall of Fame baseball player Tony Gwynn died at the age of 54 after a long battle with cancer. I have always been amazed by how many widows I have met who were in their 50’s. It seems many men, and women, die of heart attacks or cancer more so in their 50’s. Our odds... [Read More]

Steve Teaches CE Class – “Can You Trust Your Trust?”

Steve will teach a Continuing Education Class – “Can You Trust Your Trust?” on Wednesday, June 4, 2013 at 8am at The Biltmore Building to Financial & Insurance Professionals & Accountants.  The class will look at how your client’s Estate Plan could blow-up on them.   The Class is approved for one hour of Continuing... [Read More]

We Remember

On Memorial Day we remember the soldiers who died in service. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine, Coast Guard & Army Reserves have all sacrificed their lives while serving in the armed forces. A sacrifice they, their families & loved ones have made that changed the lives of all left behind. We are all thankful for... [Read More]

James Brown’s Estate Planning Blues

As a movie about James Brown, “the Godfather of Soul”, hits cinemas we remember the disastrous Estate Planning he left behind. James Brown’s Will attempted to create a Trust under a Will for education of poor children for the bulk of his assets, also for education for his grandchildren, some personal items to his adult... [Read More]

Mickey Rooney’s Estate Fight

Five days after the 93 year old actor died the family headed to Court to fight over where his body should be buried. The drama is not surprising as Mickey Rooney was previously a victim of elder abuse at the hands of his adult step son and wife who exploited millions of dollars from him.  He... [Read More]

It’s the People, not the Stuff

Love people and use things.  Not the other way around.  Our relationships are the high points of our lives.  That may include our faith relationship. Those relationships are the most precious gifts that we receive.  Our sweetest memories we have maybe of our children’s laughter, our friend’s understanding or looking into the eyes of someone who... [Read More]

Home, Sweet Home!

After spending a few days in the Northeast where it was roughly 20 degrees colder, home prices and taxes are at least two times more expensive and there are way more people & more lines I am so much more appreciative of little old Western North Carolina.  There are good and helpful people wherever you go, but... [Read More]