In today’s digital age, social media has become an indispensable tool for businesses across all sectors, including the legal profession. For lawyers and law firms, social media offers a unique platform to connect with potential clients, showcase expertise, and build a strong online presence. However, navigating the world of social media can be daunting, especially […]

If you live or work in the Trusts and Estates world, you have heard of Richard Blum, billionaire investment banker and late husband of Dianne Feinstein, the Senior United States Senator from California (“Dianne”). Anyone who consumes the news needn’t look far to catch a headline regarding Dianne. Recent articles indicate that her daughter, Katherine […]

As I can tell you from personal experience, losing a spouse is emotionally challenging. During this difficult time, managing finances can become overwhelming. I went to find tips for widows or widowers dealing with financial matters after the death of a spouse. Here’s what I found: Take Your Time: Grief can cloud your judgment, so […]

If you live or work in the Trusts and Estates world, you have heard of Richard Blum, billionaire investment banker and late husband of Dianne Feinstein, the Senior United States Senator from California. Anyone watching the news with any regularity knows that Dianne has had her fair share of press lately. Recent articles indicate that […]

As an estate planning attorney and law firm owner, you’re no stranger to the complexities of financial matters. You guide your clients through intricate planning processes and help them make informed decisions about their wealth. But have you ever stopped to reflect on your own relationship with money and how it might be affecting your […]

I can’t believe that it took me leaving private practice to hear about “National Make-a-Will Month.” Apparently, in addition to being the month when many students (mine included) return to school, August is National Make-a-Will Month. As an Estate Planning professional, I think having a month dedicated to encouraging individuals to make a Will is […]

In the world of business, punctuality isn’t just a matter of courtesy; it’s an unwritten rule of professionalism that can elevate your reputation and set you on a trajectory towards success. As we navigate the intricate landscape of a workplace, we recognize that the essence of punctuality is more than just showing up on time […]

Earlier this year the IRS released Revenue Ruling 2023-2. That Ruling examined a common situation in advanced estate planning. The grantor had set up an irrevocable trust and had gifted assets to the trust in what was a completed gift for gift tax purposes. The taxpayer retained powers which caused the trust to be taxed […]

In 2016, nearly two decades after IBM’s Deep Blue defeated the chess grandmaster Garry Kasparov, a computer program named AlphaGo beat Lee Sedol, the reigning world champion in Go. Go is one of the most complex and strategic games in the world. Its possible combinations exceed the number of particles in the visible universe. This […]

Recently, I received a question about interpretation of a simultaneous death clause and whether the individual could modify the clause. At first blush, I thought it was an easy answer, but as I thought through the various issues that the question raised, I realized the underlying complexity of the question. I thought if thinking through […]