Wills, Trusts and Estates Legal News Articles & Interviews

San Francisco, CA Three years after her death, Anna Nicole Smith's inheritance lawsuit may finally have come to an end, as a federal appellate court panel recently ruled that Smith's estate is not entitled to any of the $1.6 billion left behind by the former Playboy model's late husband, J. Howard Marshall.

Philadelphia, PA The siblings of a 14-year-old girl with cerebral palsy who starved to death in her mother's apartment have settled their civil lawsuit against the social service agency they held responsible, earning nearly $2 million on behalf of their sister's estate.

Los Angeles, CA The TCW group, a highly influential money manager and mutual fund, has announced that it is suing its former chief investment officer (CIO) for allegedly stealing confidential information to found a rival company.

Scranton, PA So, my Bucko—it is you that has drawn the honor of setting up, and managing what happens with Dad's money. You're the oldest, after all. Well, congratulations. But before you immerse yourself in estate planning, wills and trusts, and all the subtle and complex issues that go along with it, sit down in a quiet spot and stew on it a bit. When it comes to trusts, wills and the other members of the family who will be following your every move with a jaundiced eye, you have to know what you're in for…

San Diego, CA What to do with a minor's settlement money from a personal injury verdict is a very important decision that can have long and lasting effects for the future of a child. It depends on the circumstances but attorney Gordon Levinson, Levinson Law Group, usually advises parents to consider choosing a structured settlement.

Charlotte, NC As the largest wave of baby boomers—now just hitting retirement—advance through old age, there will be a virtual flood of wills, estates and family trusts flowing to banks over the next three decades. The question is, for whom will they be working? You, or themselves?

Okmulgee, OK When you're planning and establishing a trust for your estate, look for a trustee who knows the difference between your interests and their own and who will work for you. Large financial institutions such as the Bank of America certainly know that difference, but as Lorene Grant discovered, they also know how to make your trust and estate work for them.