“She didn’t fall off that balcony; she was pushed!” Probate Slayer Statute Lessons from Taylor Swift’s Anti-Hero
If Swift’s children, Preston and Chad, are able to successfully challenge the Will, leaving her estate to her cats, the distribution would return to either an older version of the estate plan, or the estate would be distributed by intestate succession. There was one element we did not really discuss and that’s the allegation that Kimber Swift, Preston’s wife, killed Taylor by pushing her off her balcony.
“She’s Laughing Up at Us from Hell:” What Lessons About Estate Planning We Can Take from Taylor Swift’s Anti-Hero
In 2006, Taylor Swift burst onto the music scene with her breakout country single, Tim McGraw. Nearly 20 years, 10 albums, and 51 million record sales later[1], she has become a household name. Taylor Swift is also no stranger to the legal field. From her sexual assault countersuit against D.J. David Mueller in which she […]
The Abuse of Anti-SLAPP Motions in Probate and Civil Matters
Litigants are still finding new applications for California’s powerful (and sometimes infamous) anti-SLAPP statute in civil matters, and as evidenced by the recently resolved Starr v. Ashbrook, probate courts are no exception. The case revolved around a contentious estate battle between the children of a 90-year-old Laguna Beach man and his girlfriend and trustee. The […]
Do You Pay Taxes on Inherited Art?
Inheriting a valuable piece of art can feel like a fantastic gift. But if you’ve recently inherited a loved one’s art collection, you may be wondering what happens when it comes to taxes. In general, you will not have to pay taxes on art you inherit from a loved one. However, if you sell the […]
Can You Inherit a Family Business?
It is possible to inherit a family business. In fact, family businesses are often passed down from generation to generation through a will, a business succession plan, or other estate planning mechanisms. However, the specific process and requirements for inheriting a family business can vary depending on the laws of the jurisdiction in which the […]
Can Lottery Winnings Be Inherited?
Winning the lottery gives a lucky person access to substantial financial resources that can help them achieve their financial goals and dreams. But what happens when a lottery winner passes away? Can a beneficiary inherit these winnings? In short, yes, lottery winnings can be inherited. However, the complete answer largely depends on the state where […]