Claim of Undue Influence in a Will Contest May Have Unintended Results

by Leslie Marenco | Dec 21, 2016 | Articles, Probate, Probate Litigation, Wills

Often I get clients who are interested in objecting to a Last Will and Testament because of suspected undue influence of their loved one.  In Florida there is a split of authority over what happens to a previous Will when the most recent Will is invalidated by the...

Recent Superstar Death Brings Estate Planning to the Forefront of Discussion

by Leslie Marenco | Apr 29, 2016 | Articles, Celebrity Estates, Estate Planning, Trusts, Wills

The untimely death of superstar Prince has brought a surprising issue to American living rooms: estate planning. If current reports are correct that Prince died without a will, state law and the Court system will dictate who controls and inherits his sizeable estate....

Tupac’s “Dead-Beat” Dad Not an Heir Under California Law

by Leslie Marenco | Mar 24, 2016 | Articles, Celebrity Estates, Estate Planning, Uncategorized, Wills

Tupac Shakur came to fame in large part due to his battles with police, inspiring lyrics in his first solo release so violent that Dan Quayle publicly denounced them.  In the same time frame, he was arrested five times for violent crimes, leading to numerous criminal...

Pets In Your Will

by Leslie Marenco | Feb 26, 2016 | Articles, Trusts, Wills

For those of us who have pets that would be left behind after we die, there may be a desire to make arrangements for their well-being. Making provisions for pets in your will can only be done through the establishment of a trust. Pets are considered property and, as...

Trick or Trust: Avoid The Blood-Sucking Probate Process

by Leslie Marenco | Oct 26, 2015 | Articles, Estate Planning, Probate, Probate Litigation, Trusts, Uncategorized, Wills

When you open your door to the series of miniature monster’s and princesses’ exclaiming “trick-or-treat,” you can protect yourself from the “tricks” of the dark hallows eve night with the swift toss of a Twix or Snickers Bar. Thus,...

What Happens If You Die Without a Will?

by Leslie Marenco | Oct 23, 2015 | Articles, Wills

Most people know they need a will. And many of them fully intend on writing a will…someday. But life is busy and the will keeps getting put off. Eventually, someday becomes never. In fact, nearly half of American adults will die without a will in place. So what...