February 2014 - Lonich Patton Ehrlich Policastri

Philip Hoffman’s Will: What Should He Have Changed?

February 27, 2014/0 Comments/in Estate Planning /by Lonich Patton Ehrlich Policastri

In a previous blog, we stressed the importance of updating your estate planning documents as your life changes. Using actor Paul Walker as an example, we explained how he made many excellent estate planning decisions during his young life. Yet, his estate plan still had substantial shortcomings due to a failure to update. Likewise, actor Philip Seymour Hoffman’s final will has recently been submitted into court with a similar, avoidable pitfall: his last will was signed in October 2004. Multiple significant life changes have occurred in the past 10 years that ought to have been, but were not, addressed in his will.

One particular final wish that stands out in Hoffman’s will is that the actor does not want his son, Cooper, to grow up in Hollywood. The late Oscar winner requested that Cooper – who was his only child at the time the document was written – to be “raised and reside in” Manhattan, Chicago, or San Francisco.

“If my guardian cannot reside in any of such cities, then it is my strong desire, and not direction, that my son, Cooper Hoffman, visit these cities at least twice per year throughout such guardianship,” Hoffman explained in the 13-page document. “The purpose of his request is so that my son will be exposed to the culture, arts and architecture that such cities offer.” This provision was the result of smart estate planning, because noticeably absent amongst those cities is Los Angeles, where Hoffman spent much of his working life. However, Hoffman leaves no question as to his intent for Cooper: he bolstered this provision in his will by explaining why those particular cities were chosen. A well-written will leaves no room to question the signor’s intent; no reason to think: “Maybe Mr. Hoffman simply forgot to include Los Angeles.”

Sadly, however, because Hoffman failed to update his will for so long, his intentions for his two daughters were not addressed. Hoffman went on to have two daughters after 2004, but no one will know what Hoffman wanted for his daughters Tallulah, 7, and Willa, 5. As we suggested in our previous blog, you should consider your estate plan to be a living and breathing document; as your life changes, your estate planning documents should accordingly change with it. The top three red flags that should signal you to update your will are:

A change in your family,
A change in your estate, and
A change in the estate tax laws.

Since your estate plan should be constantly evolving along with your life and the law, having a good relationship with a reputable estate planning attorney is imperative. If you are interested in creating an estate plan or have any questions regarding your current estate plan, please contact the experienced estate planning attorneys at Lonich Patton Ehrlich Policastri for further information. The attorneys at Lonich Patton Ehrlich Policastri have decades of experience handling complex estate planning matters, including living wills and trusts, and we are happy to offer you a free consultation.

Please remember that each individual situation is unique and results discussed in this post are not a guarantee of future results. While this post may detail general legal issues, it is not legal advice. Use of this site does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Source: http://celebrity.yahoo.com/blogs/celeb-news/philip-seymour-hoffman-s-will-revealed–did-not-want-son-raised-in-los-angeles-220210762.html

Paternity Woes: Timing Matters

February 26, 2014/0 Comments/in Family Law /by Lonich Patton Ehrlich Policastri

In Californian family law, there are a few important presumptions. Most have to do with marital property. However, one presumption is all about paternity. In California, a man is presumed to be the father of a child that is born to his wife during their marriage.* In a recent case, this presumption complicated matters for a man, his ex-girlfriend, and her new husband.

Victor and Mary were “romantically involved” when Mary became pregnant, although they never married. One month before she was due to deliver, however, Mary ended her relationship with Victor. After that, she acted fast. She married another man, Roger, before she had even delivered her baby. Shortly thereafter, her baby boy was born.

Due to the previously mentioned presumption, Roger was considered the baby’s father under California law. Mary and Roger, now married, took the baby into their home, and Roger treated the child as his son. Victor knew the baby was his, but he was not allowed to see his son.

After eight months, Victor filed a paternity suit stating that he was the biological child of Mary’s son. Unfortunately for Victor, Mary fought back, raising the presumption, and the trial court held that Victor did not have standing to claim paternity. His suit was dismissed.

Nevertheless, Victor appealed the trial court’s decision. The appellate court held that the presumption can be rebutted, especially where there is evidence that the child was not conceived during the mother’s current marriage. So, because Mary’s son was conceived well before she was married to Roger, Victor could rightfully file his paternity suit.

Although the trial court’s decision was overturned, Victor is still the boy’s presumed father. However, now Victor will have a chance to prove that he also deserves to be in the boy’s life because of their biological ties. Sadly, more litigation is on the horizon for these parties.

Paternity cases can be dramatic and complicated. If you find yourself in a difficult paternity situation, please contact our California Certified Family Law Specialists (as certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization). Our attorneys have decades of experience handling complex family law proceedings and offer a free consultation.

Please remember that each individual situation is unique and results discussed in this post are not a guarantee of future results. While this post may include legal issues, it is not legal advice. Use of this site does not create an attorney-client relationship.

*See California Family Code § 7611.

What is Probate and Why Should I Avoid It?

February 21, 2014/0 Comments/in Estate Planning, Probate /by Lonich Patton Ehrlich Policastri

Probate is a court process that is known for being time-consuming and expensive. It is also a public process that makes personal information about your assets and debts part of the public record. If you die without a will, the probate process can be a nightmare for your family. However, even if you have a well-written will, the probate court still must oversee the payment of your debts and distribution of your property. These are just a few of the reasons why many people want to avoid sending the estate, and oftentimes their family, through the probate process after their death.

To avoid the probate system entirely, you will need to use an estate planning vehicle other than a will to transfer property after your death. For example:

Life insurance: Life insurance policies generally pass outside of probate as long as there is at least one named beneficiary.
Retirement accounts: Similarly, retirement accounts, including IRAs and 401(k) plans, pass outside of probate as long as there is at least one named beneficiary.
Joint tenancy real property: If you own a home with your spouse (or any other individual) as joint tenants with right of survivorship (as opposed to tenants in common), your ownership interest will be “extinguished” upon your death and the remaining owner will own the property outright as a matter of law.
Joint tenancy bank accounts: Bank accounts may also be held in joint tenancy so that when one spouse (or account holder) dies, the other spouse (or account holder) is automatically the sole owner of the account.
Pay-on-death accounts: Selecting a pay-on-death beneficiary for bank accounts or investment accounts allows you to designate who your accounts will be transferred to upon your death without the need for probate.
Trusts: A living trust is a legal document that, much like a will, contains instructions for what you want to happen to your property when you die. But, unlike a will, a living trust can avoid probate at your death. While you place your property and assets (i.e., your family home) in the trust, you maintain control over all trust assets during your lifetime. When you are no longer alive, your property can be transferred to your designated beneficiaries in a timely manner without going through probate.

Trusts are a favorite of estate planners because they are simple, flexible and effective. Trusts can be used to easily transfer property to family members or charitable organizations at death. In some circumstances, trusts can also be utilized to decrease or minimize estate taxes.

If you would like to learn more about trusts or avoiding probate in general, call Lonich Patton Ehrlich Policastri to schedule a free half-hour consultation. Our attorneys are passionate about estate planning and have decades of experience handling complex estate planning matters, including wills and living trusts. If you are interested in developing an estate plan or reviewing your current estate plan, contact the experienced estate planning attorneys at Lonich Patton Ehrlich Policastri for further information.

Please remember that each individual situation is unique and results discussed in this post are not a guarantee of future results. While this post may detail general legal issues, it is not legal advice. Use of this site does not create an attorney-client relationship.

How to Keep the Family Baggage Out of the Family Business

February 20, 2014/0 Comments/in Business Law, Estate Planning /by Lonich Patton Ehrlich Policastri

Family businesses are often the pride and joy of the entrepreneurs who created them – especially if the business has flourished and has been passed down for multiple generations. However, no matter how successful a company is or how many generations it has survived, conflicts can significantly undermine the company’s continued success. Some of the reasons many family businesses run into conflict are over:

Company Resources: Money, money, money. Historically heralded as the root of all evil, money is often at the root of all family business troubles. Resources are limited and folks must be compensated, leaving plenty of opportunity to squabble over nickels and dimes.
Company Strategy: Strategy is a substantial part of running a successful business. Without a similar outlook with regard to strategy, the business will remain at a standstill. Sometimes, discussions regarding strategy will cause disputes because one family member may believe that Strategy A is the best course of business, whereas another family member vehemently believes that Strategy B is far superior.
Company Values: Often times, interests and values will change over time, and family members from different generations will value different aspects of the business. Family members running a family business must have the same outlook for the company and aim to reach the same goals. Otherwise, the business will remain stagnant until these differences are resolved.
Company Rivalry: Just like sibling rivalry is very real, so are rivalries within a family business – so much so that the best interests of a company can take a backseat to upstaging a competing family member.

So with all these possible issues of contention, how can a family successfully run a family business without the family baggage? Here are some options to consider implementing:

Appoint independent directors: Having independent directors will ensure that someone with an objective perspective is monitoring the family and offsetting any improper family influences. The family will monitor management, and this independent third party will monitor the family.
Hold regular family meetings: Don’t wait for issues to arise before scheduling a meeting – have them regularly and in taking such preventative measures, perhaps some conflicts can be avoided altogether. Specifically include shareholder sand those who influence the decision-makers.
Evaluate performances: By evaluating performances, the business can have an objective look at how employees are performing (or not performing). This ensures that employees are promoted and compensated not for their familial relationships, but for their commendable performance.
Talk to a professional: Have a professional evaluate your family business – perhaps they can help your family build a business succession plan and help resolve other issues involved in your family business.

Business succession planning is a highly complex area of law. If you have any questions regarding your family-owned business, please contact the experienced business attorneys at Lonich Patton Ehrlich Policastri for further information. The attorneys at Lonich Patton Ehrlich Policastri have decades of experience handling complex business succession matters and we are happy to offer you a free consultation.

Please remember that each individual situation is unique and results discussed in this post are not a guarantee of future results. While this post may detail general legal issues, it is not legal advice. Use of this site does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Source: http://www.bizactions.com/n.cfm/page/e110/key/254350972G1005J3585631N0P43P2122T3/

Wise Beyond His Years: Paul Walker’s Estate Plan

February 13, 2014/0 Comments/in Estate Planning, Probate /by Lonich Patton Ehrlich Policastri

Paul Walker was not known for being one of the more prolific or intelligent actors of his era. Even so, the young actor made some sharp estate planning decisions during his short life, probably due to top-notch legal advice. Even so, his estate plan could have been better. Regardless of whether your estate is anything like Paul Walker’s $25 million estate, there are some great lessons* to be learned from Mr. Walker’s estate plan.

The Good

Paul Walker died at the much-too-young age of 40. However, he was smart and recognized that even young people need estate plans. Walker signed his will at 28 years old—an age when most young men still believe they are invincible. He should be commended for taking control of his future for the benefit of his loved ones. Walker realized that accidents happen, and he was prepared. You should do the same.

Walker was survived by his 15-year-old daughter, Meadow, and he privately provided for her future with a trust. Unlike a will that must be processed through the state court system, trusts are completely private and avoid the onerous probate process. Trusts are relatively easy to create, are protected from public scrutiny, and most importantly, can help your loved ones get the assets they need much faster than in the case of a will.

The Bad

Although it is great that Walker named a guardian for his minor child (he named Meadow’s grandmother—his mother), he should have updated his choice with the passage of time. In 2001, his mother was 13 years younger and probably the most appropriate option. However, today, a younger family member could have been a better option in the event that his mother was not up to the task or physically incapable of being Meadow’s guardian.

Walker had both a will and a trust, which was smart at the time. Nevertheless, when he first created those documents, Fast and Furious had not become the monstrous success it is today. His financial picture has changed and his estate planning documents should have reflected those changes. Over a decade ago, he probably had no idea how much money he would be leaving his daughter; he couldn’t have. Furthermore, Walker’s estate will have to cover significant tax obligations before his beneficiaries receive their share; this obligation could have been avoided or reduced with some creative estate planning and trust creation.

The Ugly

Walker’s long-time girlfriend, the woman he reportedly wanted to marry, was apparently left with nothing. Boyfriends and girlfriends have no legal relief in this sad scenario, and it happens far too often. It goes without saying that Walker would have wanted to take care of his girlfriend for the rest of her life. However, since he failed to update his estate plan, she probably will not receive a penny.

You should consider your estate plan to be a living and breathing document; when your life changes, your estate planning documents should change along with it. This is why having a great relationship with a reputable estate planning attorney is so important. If you are interested in creating an estate plan or have any questions regarding your current estate plan, please contact the experienced estate planning attorneys at Lonich Patton Ehrlich Policastri for further information. The attorneys at Lonich Patton Ehrlich Policastri have decades of experience handling complex estate planning matters, including living wills and trusts, and we are happy to offer you a free consultation.

Please remember that each individual situation is unique and results discussed in this post are not a guarantee of future results. While this post may detail general legal issues, it is not legal advice. Use of this site does not create an attorney-client relationship.

*Post inspired by: Danielle and Andrew Mayoras, “Five Estate Planning Lessons From The Paul Walker Estate,” from Trial and Heirs: The Legacy Experts. Find the original article here: http://trialandheirs.com/blog/celebrities/paul-walker-estate-good-estate-planning-lessons

Valentine’s Day Causes 40% to Consider Divorce

February 13, 2014/0 Comments/in Family Law /by Lonich Patton Ehrlich Policastri

Valentine’s Day, the nationally recognized day of love, is right around the corner. However, for some of us this year, Cupid’s arrow will strike with thoughts of divorce instead of romance. In fact, the number of consumers seeking information about divorce will increase more than 40% around Valentine’s Day. So why are so many individuals exploring the possibility of divorce around this time of the year?

Philadelphia divorce attorney Jennifer Brandt explains that this phenomenon occurs because Valentine’s Day “forces us to assess our romantic relationships […]. Many people realize that they are not happy in the situation they are in and there is no possibility of it improving. Thus, they may turn toward divorce to get a fresh start.” Edward Weinstein, a New Jersey divorce attorney, offers a similar explanation: “My theory is that when you have these kinds of sentimental holidays, people start saying, ‘I deserve to be happy.’”

Avvo.com, one of the world’s largest online legal forums, also recently conducted studies that show the number of consumers seeking information about divorce escalates around Valentine’s Day. Leigh McMilllan, vice president of marketing with Avvo, states that the spike is so consistent and so prominent that researchers are coining this increase in divorce searches as the “Valentine’s Effect.” Avvo has consistently seen a large increase in the number of people searching for information on divorce around Valentine’s Day for the past four years. Women comprise of a majority of the searches (67%) and the big cities are hit the hardest – Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, Phoenix, and Dallas lead the country in the number of people searching online for a divorce lawyer.

If you are considering divorce or have questions about divorce planning, please contact our California Certified Family Law Specialists (as certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization). Our attorneys have decades of experience handling complex family law proceedings and offer a free consultation.

Please remember that each individual situation is unique and results discussed in this post are not a guarantee of future results. While this post may include legal issues, it is not legal advice. Use of this site does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Sources: http://www.mainstreet.com/article/family/marriage/divorce/valentines-effect-causes-40-explore-divorce?page=1; http://jamiat.org.za/blog/valentines-day-causes-a-peak-in-number-of-divorces-research-2/

Does Donating Sperm Via Craiglist Make You A “Father”?

February 4, 2014/0 Comments/in Family Law /by Julia Lemon

To some, donating sperm is considered an easy way to make some cash. However, for one Kansas man,* donating sperm turned out to be way more than he bargained for. William Marotta donated sperm to a lesbian couple via Craigslist, but did not comply with a Kansas statute that required that a licensed physician perform the insemination. Instead, he gave the sperm directly to the couple.

The state of Kansas sued Mr. Marotta for parental support of his child, even though he and the couple signed a written agreement relinquishing his parental rights. The court decided that since the parties did not comply with the statute, Mr. Marotta is the child’s legal father whether he likes it or not. Therefore, he will have to financially support the child, as well as provide back pay to the State of Kansas for aid the child has already received. As a result, there will probably be more litigation in store for these parties.

Fortunately, this costly and uncomfortable result can easily be avoided. In California, if a sperm donor gives samples of his sperm to a physician, surgeon, or licensed sperm bank, he will be treated as if he were not a natural parent of the child, unless otherwise agreed to in writing before the child is conceived. By keeping the process official and legitimate through the use of a doctor or licensed sperm bank, sperm donors can remain anonymous and can avoid “fatherhood” until they are truly ready for that responsibility. Bottom line: unless you want to pay 18 years of child support, be sure to follow all of the statutory requirements in the Family Code.

If you’re having paternity or child custody issues, having a knowledgeable, experienced family law attorney by your side can prove to be invaluable. If you have any questions about your family law issues, please contact our California Certified Family Law Specialists (as certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization). Lonich Patton Ehrlich Policastri’s attorneys have decades of experience handling complex family law proceedings and are happy to offer you a free half-hour consultation.

Please remember that each individual situation is unique and results discussed in this post are not a guarantee of future results. While this post may include legal issues, it is not legal advice. Use of this site does not create an attorney-client relationship.

*http://www.abajournal.com/news/article/man_who_responded_to_craigslist_ad_for_a_sperm_donor_is_a_dad_must_pay_chil/?utm_source=maestro&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=weekly_email

January, AKA “Divorce Month,” is Over!

February 3, 2014/0 Comments/in Family Law /by Gina Policastri

There’s a month for everything: National Pet Month, National Honey Month, National Grilled Cheese Month. And apparently, in recent years, January earned the less-than-flattering title of “Divorce Month.”

Findlaw.com, along with legal research service Westlaw, recently analyzed divorce filings between 2008 and 2011. Their study showed a spike in divorces in January, followed by a spike in late March. The study also revealed searches for “divorce,” “family law,” and “child custody” increased 50% from December to January – searches that continued to soar through the month of March.

So what exactly is going on during the early months of the year that causes such a rise in divorce? Miles Mason, a Memphis-based divorce attorney, lists a few reasons.

First of all, folks do not want to be perceived by friends and family as cold and heartless right before Christmas. Mason explains that “if somebody is coming to us in January, they made the decision to come see me or a lawyer before the holidays.”
Secondly, finances play a factor. Bonuses typically occur at the end of the year, a portion of which can be claimed as an asset from a spouse. Waiting until January to file for divorce will also not interfere with tax filings for the year before, which most couples file jointly.
Lastly, psychiatrist Mark Banschick explains that the start of the new year usually prompts an “existential moment” where people take a closer look at their lives, realize that it passes by too quickly, and that their current situation is not happy. As a result, “they call attorneys out of pain.”

If you have questions about divorce planning, please contact our California Certified Family Law Specialists (as certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization). Our attorneys have decades of experience handling complex family law proceedings and offer a free consultation.

Please remember that each individual situation is unique and results discussed in this post are not a guarantee of future results. While this post may include legal issues, it is not legal advice. Use of this site does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/17/living/january-divorce-month-matrimony/index.html?sr=fb011714divorcejanuary3p

Philip Hoffman’s Will: What Should He Have Changed?

Paternity Woes: Timing Matters

What is Probate and Why Should I Avoid It?

How to Keep the Family Baggage Out of the Family Business

Wise Beyond His Years: Paul Walker’s Estate Plan

Valentine’s Day Causes 40% to Consider Divorce

Does Donating Sperm Via Craiglist Make You A “Father”?

January, AKA “Divorce Month,” is Over!

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