Archive for the ‘Estate Planning’ Category
Ray Charles Foundation Sues Singers’ Children Over Copyright Claims
According to the Ray Charles Foundation, the late singer’s children became beneficiaries of a $500,000 trust when their father died, and they, in return, agreed not to bring future claims against their father’s estate. Seven of Charles’s children are now trying to reclaim copyrights on some of Charles’s songs, and are being sued for it. [...]
Astor Estate Settlement Reached
The New York Times reports that a settlement has been reached in the years-long dispute over Brooke Astor’s $100 million fortune. The socialite and philanthropist’s only son, Anthony D. Marshall, 87, who was convicted of stealing from his mother, will “only” receive $14.5 million after a $12.3 million deduction by the Manhattan District Attorney’s office [...]
Italian Cat Inherits 10 Million Euros — Could an American Cat?
Italian newspaper Il Messaggero reports that a cat in Rome has inherited about 10 million euros. That’s some cat heir! But wait. This can’t be right, can it? Can animals really inherit money in Italy? What about in America? Pets definitely can’t inherit anything in the United States as animals are considered property and [...]
The Legal Battle Over Warhol’s Farrah Fawcett Portrait
Andy Warhol produced two silkscreen portraits of the late Farrah Fawcett, but only one was turned over to the University of Texas at Austin per her wishes, claims the school. Accordingly, they’re suing Ryan O’Neal, Fawcett’s longtime companion, who the university alleges has the other one, to recover it. Fawcett attended UT Austin in the [...]
Commercial Lease Pitfalls and More Legal Advice – Free Joe Friday 7/1/11
I’m looking at my first real commercial lease agreement for a bigger space.. Lots to consider in this economy! Among the 32 pages of legalese, are there any common ‘gotchas’ that I should be looking out for?
Advancing an Inheritance, Red Light Tickets and More – Free Joe Friday 5/27/11
Do you really have to pay the red light photo tickets that are taken with a camera?
Small Claims Fees, Wage Garnishments and More – Free Joe Friday 5/20/11
We have a judgement against us for $11,304, at this time, they are garnishing my wages for $3,000 of that. Now, we find out that they have put a hold on our checking account for the full amount of $11,304. Can they do that, and if so, how is that possible?
Jackie Cooper’s Poison Pill Clause
Former “Superman” actor and big screen legend Jackie Cooper didn’t want anyone in his family waging a battle over his last will and testament, so he put in what’s often called a “poison pill” clause. What’s a poison pill clause? The proper legal term is a “no contest clause,” and its purpose is to discourage [...]
Breaking a Lease, Quick Claim Deeds, Dissolving an LLC and more Free Joe Friday 4/22/2011
Every Friday, attorney Joe Escalante answers legal questions for free on the LegalZoom Facebook Page. Did you miss last week’s Free Joe Friday? Don’t worry. We’ve got it all right here. Lori: Hi my name is Lori I am a single mom and recently quit my job to prepare for a wedding he “Mr Perfect” [...]
Suing the Penal System, Facebook Hacking, and More Free Joe Friday 4/15/2011
What are the legal ramifications of someone hacking into another individuals Facebook account? Is it a state or federal offense?
