Category Archives: Uncategorized

The Arizona Daily Star published an article on March 23, 2009 entitled, You’ll Want To Read this Before You Die, discussing the stress inherent in not having an estate plan in place. The article focuses upon the experience of businesswoman … Continue reading →

I did not know her, but the tax/estate planning blogs I track the closest both report the recent death of Professor Pamela Champine of New York Law School, at the age of 44. Those reports are on the TaxProf Blog … Continue reading →

It’s hard to believe, but even in death murder victim Alice Ortiz is being held to her lease contract by her landlord…to the tune of $2,821.23. I recall reading this sad news story late last year: Alice Ortiz and her … Continue reading →

Previously I mentioned the fact that Congress has waived the Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) requirement for IRAs for this 2009 tax year, However, there are always unintended consequences. Here, certain trusts may not be sufficiently flexible to take this tax … Continue reading →

I received the following e-mail solicitation from Katherine, which I promised to pass along. It is self explanatory, and relates to a cable television program currently in production: “WHAT IS YOUR WILL EXPERIENCE?” Have you ever had a will of … Continue reading →

Have you ever considered the interrelationship between different types of planning? One aspect of planning affects the other. Here are some examples: Estate Planning vs. Financial Planning. With estate planning you plan your estates for the benefit of your heirs. … Continue reading →

I came across this article by the Tax Prof Blog, edited by Professor Beyer. It relates to Nancy Silverton, who previously sold her restaruant in Los Angeles, La Brea Bakery, for $5 million. But she then lost all of it … Continue reading →

In an earlier post, I noted that Congress has passed relief from the Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) requirement for Traditional IRAs for the 2009 tax year. But I have a close relative who is howling, because he is now required to … Continue reading →

This is a somewhat odd story because it is extreme. Still, the consequences are not that unusual. Martin Sowell is a 43 year old Ohio man who tried to kill his adoptive parents when he was 17. He tried to … Continue reading →

Whoa. I recall hearing in the media a few years ago of a “kinder, gentler” IRS. I guess even it were possible for perhaps the largest and most aggressive collection agency in the world to be “kinder” and “gentler”. . … Continue reading →