Probate – Page 4 – Legal News Feed

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LEAP Legal Software Integrates WealthCounsel Drafting Solution for Estate Planning Attorneys

Pieter Gunst3 years ago03 mins

Last year, LEAP Legal Software, an international provider of cloud-based practice management software acquired WealthCounsel, a leading provider of software, training, and support for estate planning and elder law attorneys. In a significant development for the estate planning community, LEAP has now announced a new integration with WealthCounsel. This integration makes WealthCounsel’s drafting solution directly…

JDSupra

Norwalk’s 2023 Property Revaluation: Implications for Property Owners and Legal Professionals

Pieter Gunst3 years ago03 mins

The City of Norwalk, noted as the sixth largest city in Connecticut, is close to finishing its 2023 real property revaluation. This revaluation is being done on the principle of “full measure and list” – an approach which integrates the outcomes of property inspections into the revaluation. This critical step, according to a report by…

JDSupra

Emerging Role of Trust Protectors in Estate Planning: Enhancing Protection and Control

Pieter Gunst3 years ago03 mins

When we speak about trust in legal terms, many legal professionals instantly think about three principal roles: The Grantor (or “Trustor”), the Trustee, and the Beneficiary. The Grantor, being the creator of the trust, bestows the Trustee with the right to manage property for the benefit of one or multiple Beneficiaries. The primary use of…

JDSupra

Massachusetts Mandates “Two Parents Now” Program for Divorcing Parents to Improve Co-Parenting Skills

Pieter Gunst3 years ago02 mins

Beginning November 1, 2023, it will become mandatory for divorcing parents, as well as parties to annulment, parentage, and modification actions involving custody or parenting time to undertake a four-hour online parenting course known as “Two Parents Now”. This mandate, brought about by the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court, is highlighted in Standing Order 3-23….

JDSupra

Navigating Shareholder Succession in BVI Business Companies: Effective Planning Strategies

Pieter Gunst3 years ago03 mins

British Virgin Islands (BVI) often become the focal point for private wealth structuring due to the favorable business environment. Despite their many advantages, one recurring issue organizations face involves shareholder succession when shares in a BVI corporation are registered under an individual’s name rather than a corporate entity. In the event of the shareholder’s death,…

JDSupra

Probate Exception to Federal Diversity Jurisdiction: Exploring Legal Complexities

Pieter Gunst3 years ago03 mins

Many legal professionals, particularly those specializing in trust and estate litigation, are acutely aware of the significance of the probate exception to federal diversity jurisdiction in their practice. A recent couple of cases from the Southern District offer a fresh examination of this often overlooked aspect of federal jurisdiction. For those unfamiliar, the two-part series…

JDSupra

Estate Planning Essentials for Unmarried Couples: Navigating Asset Distribution and Legal Considerations

Pieter Gunst3 years ago02 mins

In light of the complexities involved in estate planning for unmarried couples, there is a growing necessity for lawyers and financial advisors to stay abreast of the latest regulations and legal considerations. As outlined in a recent article, which was authored by the esteemed legal firm Lippes Mathias LLP, asset distribution after the death of…

Law360

Georgia Judge’s Ethics Trial Exposes Need for Improved Judicial Guidelines

Pieter Gunst3 years ago02 mins

A Georgia probate judge testified in her defense on Thursday, in the face of 40 ethics charges brought against her by the state’s Judicial Qualifications Commission. The judge notably lamented the lack of written policies and additional guidance available to her when she first took to the bench. The challenges resulting from this void of…

Law.com

Disbarred Attorney’s Payroll Protection Program Fraud Exposes Pandemic Relief Loopholes

Pieter Gunst3 years ago02 mins

The complexity and significance of the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) in supporting businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic’s economic turmoil have also presented opportunities for fraudulent activities, a truism exposed in a recent incident involving a disbarred attorney from the state of Washington. Darlene Baker, who has also been known as Darlene Piper, from Port Orchard,…

JDSupra

Surrogate’s Court Jurisdiction: Assessing Powers in Business Disputes Involving Non-Controlling LLCs

Pieter Gunst3 years ago03 mins

In a recent legal update, a significant question was raised concerning the jurisdiction of New York’s Surrogate’s Courts, particularly when it comes to business disputes involving close companies. The query in focus is whether or not these courts hold the authority to compel an accounting related to a non-party limited liability company (LLC), in situations…

JDSupra

Exploring the Advantages of Revocable Trusts in Estate Planning

Pieter Gunst3 years ago03 mins

A testamentary provision, most people are acquainted with the notion of having a will. The ultimate eventuality of human existence requires conscientious preparation, not only for the peace of our minds but for the benefit of those we leave behind. Whether it be physical property, real estate, liquid finances, shareholdings, personal household items or collectibles,…

Other

Massachusetts Land Court’s Jurisdiction in Family Trust Cases: Impact on Probate and Fiduciary Litigation

Pieter Gunst3 years ago02 mins

In August 2023’s edition of the Probate & Fiduciary Litigation Newsletter, a highlighted case presents a noteworthy argument about the jurisdiction of the Massachusetts Land Court. The case in question is DiNicola v. Ely, et al., No. 23 MISC 000128 (2023). At the heart of the legal issue stands a family trust that holds record…