Donald Sterling v. Casey Kasem – Estate Planning

The recent Donald Sterling and Casey Kasem cases served to illustrate when Mental Disability Planning is made a part of the client’s Estate Planning. It was done in the Donald Sterling case inside of his Living Trust aka Revocable Living Trust. A mechanism was designed in the Trust so that Mental Disability Provisions could be... [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]

Casey Kasem Estate Planning Woes

Radio icon Casey Kasem famous for his national “America’s Top 40” weekly radio show, is in the spotlight for his Estate Planning woes. There appears to be an ongoing wrestling match between Casey Kasem’s wife and his adult children from a prior marriage over physical possession of Casey Kasem. He is reported to be suffering... [Read More]

Donald Sterling’s Mental Incapacity

Professional basketball team owner Donald Sterling’s has reportedly been declared Mentally Incompetent under the terms of his Trust with his wife according to Sports Illustrated. Apparently under the terms of Donald Sterling’s Trust he can be declared an incompetent adult by two physicians, which apparently has been done, placing his wife in control under their... [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]

Why We Do What We Do

I’ve always been protective of friends, loved ones, and teammates. It’s probably why I played offensive tackle in football and center in basketball. It was always about sacrificing myself in the game for the good of the team or others. I’ve always had a very high “Protective Streak.” In establishing a relationship with my clients... [Read More]