In Michigan, a jury found that a handwritten document by Aretha Franklin, found in her couch, was a valid Will. Apparently, a notebook containing documents with scribbles and hard-to-read passages emerged in 2019 after a niece scoured the home for records. It was signed by Aretha Franklin with a smiley face in the letter A. […]
Blog
Warren Buffett The following video clips are from Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meetings where Warren Buffett fielded questions regarding estate planning: 2013 Annual Meeting: 2023 Annual Meeting:
Sometimes you just have to say No “No” isn’t a four-letter word. Saying “no” isn’t necessarily bad and you shouldn’t feel bad when you say it. Part of saying no means taking a stand. It can mean standing up to injustice. For example, our legal system is, for the most part, dependent on people saying […]
Some people want to control others. This reminds me of the Bible story in Genesis 27 where Jacob stole Esau’s blessing. We’re not going to focus on Jacob. Instead, we’re looking at his mother, Rebekah. That’s why this is under the heading of control, not greed. Isaac and Rebekah were unhappy when Esau married two […]
Fear is a powerful motivator. The Bible tells us to fear not. Stonewall Jackson (and others) are attributed as having said “Never take counsel from your fear.” Nonetheless, people act based on fear. In 1 Kings 19, Elijah had executed all of the false profits leading Israel astray. King Ahab whined to his wife, Jezebel. […]
This is the first in a series of posts exploring why people do what they do. In this post, we’re discussing certainty. When I was a young lawyer, I worked on a corporate team where Fortune 500 companies paid tens of thousands of dollars for certainty. When they signed a contract, they wanted to know […]
In Milbourne v. Milbourne, 301 Ga. 111 (2017), The Georgia Supreme Court affirmed a Gwinnett Probate Court Order refusing to grant summary judgment on the issue of undue influence. Milbourne concerned a Will, allegedly procured through the undue influence of the Will-maker’s sister. The Will-maker was Edison Jamal Milbourne. He suffered a work related brain […]
Obviously, if you follow the law, get a license and have the event officiated, you’re married. See O.C.G.A. § 19-3-1 (Requiring parties able to contract, an actual contract and consummation according to law). And with marriage goes the benefits and liabilities. Although not a traditional case, Justice Kennedy concluded Obergfell v. Hodges with the following […]
The following is a mishmash of information on various Elder Law, Special Needs Law, and Estate Planning issues. It also includes anything else we found interesting during the month of June, 2023. We will continue updating from time to time throughout the month. Last updated 6/8/2023. Keep in mind, you are using linked content at […]
The Will must be signed by the testator Under O.C.G.A. § 53-4-20, the testator (who must be at least 14 years old) must sign his or her will. The signature can be a sign, mark, or any name that is intended to authenticate the document as the testator’s will. If the testator is physically unable […]
