Estate planning attorneys have been preparing for the end of 2012 for quite some time. No, it has nothing to do with what some people claim will be the end of the world according to the Mayan calendar, but rather the expiring of the $5.12 million gift tax exemption that ends on December 31, 2012. As the law stands right now, individuals are allowed to give up to $5.12 million in estate gifts without those gifts being subjected to additional taxes. Come January 1, the $5.12 million exemption … [Read more...] about Last Minute Planning Expected To Increase Before 2012 Ends
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What Brings You to Court? 4 Types of Cases Probate Courts Hear
Estate planning attorneys often advise clients to create plans that will avoid the necessity of having to go before the probate court. Though these courts, known as Surrogate's Courts in New York state, hear cases about wills and estates, they also hear numerous other issues. Here's a brief list of some of the common issues a probate court might hear. Guardians Probate courts are responsible for determining who should become the legal guardian over a child or an incapacitated adult. However, … [Read more...] about What Brings You to Court? 4 Types of Cases Probate Courts Hear
Digital Elvis May Soon Enter the Building
Following the recent success of the holographic appearance of late rapper Tupac Shakur at the Coachella music festival, the hologram's creators have announced that they may soon be bringing a holographic Elvis Presley to the stage. Digital Domain Media Group, along with the Elvis Presley estate, have announced their plans to bring the rock and roll star back as a virtual creation. The digitally recreated image of Elvis may soon be appearing on television, motion pictures, as well as music … [Read more...] about Digital Elvis May Soon Enter the Building
Paterno Will to Remain a Secret
For any college football fan, Penn State graduate, or anyone else interested in the life and death of Joe Paterno, it now appears as if the details of his last will and testament will always remain a mystery. According to the Wilkes-Barre Citizen's Voice newspaper, a Pennsylvania probate court judge has ordered that the Will be sealed. The petition requesting that the Will be sealed, as well as the courts order granting the petition, are also sealed. Pennsylvania probate attorneys have stated … [Read more...] about Paterno Will to Remain a Secret
Missouri Lawmakers Approve Elder Law Expansion
Along with other states, Missouri may soon expand its elder law protections by adopting a new law that makes specific types of elder abuse a crime. Lawmakers in the Missouri legislature have approved a bill that would include financial elder abuse as a crime punishable as a felony offense. The bill has received wide support from lawmakers of both parties, and is now waiting to be signed into law by Governor Jay Nixon. Currently, Missouri law makes it a felony offense for anyone to knowingly or … [Read more...] about Missouri Lawmakers Approve Elder Law Expansion
