United States: Wills/ Intestacy/ Estate Planning

When it comes to estate planning, even the rich and famous are not immune to costly mistakes. This examination of celebrity estate planning mishaps reveals how iconic figures have fallen victim to oversights leading to legal battles, unintended heirs, and millions in tax losses, offering valuable lessons for legal professionals and individuals alike.

Estate planners can better serve clients by looking beyond traditional charitable giving to flexible philanthropic strategies that reflect clients' goals, values and desire for lasting impact across generations. The article explores how modern philanthropy extends beyond tax-deductible donations to include impact investments, giving circles, and mission-aligned business structures. Discover five practical ways estate planners can initiate more meaningful philanthropic conversations and draft documents that

Joshua S. Rubenstein of Katten's Private Wealth Department co-authored a chapter in the newly released third edition of the American Bar Association's comprehensive guide to international estate planning. The publication addresses the growing complexity of cross-border wealth management as families and assets increasingly span multiple jurisdictions. Written by leading international practitioners and tax professionals, the guide provides essential insights for lawyers, fiduciaries, family office professiona

As the Silent and Baby Boomer generations transfer an estimated $84.4 trillion in wealth through 2045, estate planning attorneys anticipate a surge in probate disputes driven by complex family structures, cognitive decline, and DIY estate documents. This analysis examines the key factors fueling the Great Wealth Transfer litigation wave and explores proactive strategies families can employ to minimize future conflicts.

When multiple family members seek estate planning services together, can one attorney represent everyone? This article examines the complex ethical boundaries that govern attorney-client relationships in family estate planning, exploring when joint representation is permissible and when conflicts of interest require separate counsel.

As the Silent Generation and Baby Boomers prepare to transfer an estimated $84-90 trillion in wealth over the next two decades, families face critical decisions about estate planning, tax strategies, and asset protection. This comprehensive analysis explores how changing tax laws, evolving family structures, and complex asset portfolios require thoughtful planning to preserve wealth across generations while avoiding unnecessary taxes, legal disputes, and family conflicts.

When an aging parent leaves a significant portion of their estate to their caregiver, families often question whether the bequest reflects genuine intent or undue influence. Washington courts have recently addressed this tension, upholding legitimate caregiver inheritances while also recognizing red flags that warrant closer scrutiny, including isolation, control over legal processes, cognitive decline, and dramatic departures from long-standing estate plans.

Washington State's Trust and Estate Dispute Resolution Act (TEDRA) offers a flexible, efficient framework for resolving trust and estate conflicts without full-scale litigation. This comprehensive guide examines TEDRA's procedural mechanisms, dispute resolution tools, and practical applications for fiduciaries, beneficiaries, and legal practitioners navigating estate-related disputes.

When a trust beneficiary's marriage ends in divorce, those same trusts designed to preserve wealth can become sources of friction and financial disparity. Washington State courts must make a "just and equitable" division of property while considering each party's economic circumstances, including trust interests that may not be divisible but significantly impact financial realities.