Surviving Spouse Elective Share Rights in Tennessee

Under Tennessee statutory law, a surviving spouse may take an “elective share” of the deceased spouse’s estate in lieu of what has been provided for him or her in the will or through the laws of intestacy. This law provides a mechanism for protecting the rights of surviving spouses who may not have received what they consider a fair share of the decedent’s estate. For individuals concerned about having their wishes altered by such an election, several estate planning tools remain available to minimize the risks associated with the elective share.

Details
Leave a commentEstate Planning

Revocation of a Will by Marriage, Divorce or Birth of a Child

When navigating the estate planning process, many individuals have questions regarding the durability of their wills and wonder how often they should be updating their documents. In considering these questions, take inventory of recent life events that may have occurred after a will’s execution as some of these milestones can trigger automatic revocation of a will.

Details
Leave a commentEstate Planning

Spendthrift Trusts: Protecting the Beneficiary

There is an ever-present concern for providing the next generation with the right tools for success. While parents do their best to impart their own financial wisdom upon their children, some individuals require extra help. In terms of estate planning, this concern creates an additional need that is separate from personal asset protection and instead focuses on implementing strategies that protect intended beneficiaries from themselves.

Details
Leave a commentEstate Planning, Probate & Trust Administration

Validity of Prenuptial Agreement in Question with Regard to Alan Thicke’s Estate

Following the December 2016 death of “Growing Pains” actor, Alan Thicke, tensions have risen between his loved ones concerning his estate, and the validity of a 2005 prenuptial agreement with his third wife. In a petition filed in May in Los Angeles County Superior Court, Thicke’s sons, Robin and Brennan, requested guidance regarding distributing their father’s trust property and the legitimacy of any potential claims from his widow, Tanya Callau Thicke, about the prenuptial agreement. Callau Thicke recently responded through a reported filing in early July. It seems that the legal battle is just getting started.

Details
Leave a commentEstate Planning, Probate & Trust Administration

Florida Governor Rick Scott Vetos Electronic Will Legislation

Florida Gov. Rick Scott’s recent veto of Florida’s proposed “Electronic Wills Act” has added to the recent buzz in the estate planning world surrounding proposed new legislation regarding electronic wills. Florida’s proposed Electronic Wills Act (House Bill 277) aimed to authorize the creation of electronic wills and the execution and witnessing of such wills by way of remote technology.

Details
Leave a commentEstate Planning