Worldwide: Wills/ Intestacy/ Estate Planning

When a child turns 18, parents lose automatic legal authority to make medical and financial decisions on their behalf, creating an unexpected gap in estate planning. Three essential documents—a durable power of attorney, health care proxy, and HIPAA authorization—can bridge this gap and ensure parents can assist their adult children when needed.

Washington State's Deadman's Statute bars interested parties from testifying about conversations or transactions with deceased individuals in estate litigation. Understanding when this evidentiary rule applies, what testimony it excludes, and how it can be waived is critical for anyone involved in probate or trust disputes where private agreements or oral promises are at issue.

Washington State's Trust and Estate Dispute Resolution Act (TEDRA) grants courts broad discretion to shift attorneys' fees in trust and estate litigation, potentially exposing fiduciaries to personal liability when their conduct breaches fiduciary duties or unnecessarily prolongs disputes. Understanding the circumstances under which courts may order personal fee awards is essential for trustees, personal representatives, and beneficiaries navigating these complex disputes.

Host Michael Clear sits down with Andi Hughes from TrustHouse to explore how concierge home care services create comprehensive support systems for families facing cognitive decline, chronic illness, and behavioral health challenges. The discussion reveals strategies for building effective care teams and preventing caregiver burnout while maintaining dignity and independence. Learn how proactive planning and coordinated care can transform the experience of aging in place and managing complex health transitio

New York has enacted an annual "pied-à-terre tax" on high-value New York City non-primary residences, effective July 2026, that could impose significant tax burdens on owners of luxury second homes. The tax applies to properties valued above certain thresholds, with rates varying by property type and value, and extends to properties held through trusts, LLCs, and other business entities. Property owners must understand exemption criteria and prepare documentation to challenge assessments before the Dep

Estate planning has evolved beyond traditional assets like real estate and brokerage accounts to encompass a new frontier: digital assets including cryptocurrency wallets, NFT collections, and social media accounts. Without proper planning, these valuable online holdings may become permanently inaccessible or subject to costly litigation, leaving fiduciaries struggling to navigate complex legal frameworks that govern access but not ownership.

When your child turns 18 and heads to college, you lose automatic authority to make medical and financial decisions on their behalf. Without proper legal documentation in place, families can face significant delays and complications during emergencies when immediate action is needed.

As personal and financial lives increasingly move online, estate planning must evolve to address digital assets ranging from email accounts and social media profiles to cryptocurrency and cloud-stored business records. Without proper planning, these assets can become inaccessible or lost upon incapacity or death, creating legal, financial, and emotional complications for loved ones and fiduciaries.

The death of Cubs legend Ryne Sandberg has sparked a contentious legal battle between his widow and children over control of his name, image, and likeness rights