Donald Sterling’s Estate Planning – Part 2

As more news comes out regarding the Estate Planning of Mental Incapacity of NBA Team Owner Donald Sterling, it appears that Donald Sterling was ruled an incompetent adult by two physicians. That was sufficient under the terms of the Living Trust that Donald shared with his wife, Shelly, so that under said Trust he could... [Read More]

Casey Kasem Estate Planning Woes

Radio icon Casey Kasem famous for his national “America’s Top 40” weekly radio show, is in the spotlight for his Estate Planning woes. There appears to be an ongoing wrestling match between Casey Kasem’s wife and his adult children from a prior marriage over physical possession of Casey Kasem. He is reported to be suffering... [Read More]

Donald Sterling’s Mental Incapacity

Professional basketball team owner Donald Sterling’s has reportedly been declared Mentally Incompetent under the terms of his Trust with his wife according to Sports Illustrated. Apparently under the terms of Donald Sterling’s Trust he can be declared an incompetent adult by two physicians, which apparently has been done, placing his wife in control under their... [Read More]

Steve Teaches CE Class – “Can You Trust Your Trust?”

Steve will teach a Continuing Education Class – “Can You Trust Your Trust?” on Wednesday, June 4, 2013 at 8am at The Biltmore Building to Financial & Insurance Professionals & Accountants.  The class will look at how your client’s Estate Plan could blow-up on them.   The Class is approved for one hour of Continuing... [Read More]

James Brown’s Estate Planning Blues

As a movie about James Brown, “the Godfather of Soul”, hits cinemas we remember the disastrous Estate Planning he left behind. James Brown’s Will attempted to create a Trust under a Will for education of poor children for the bulk of his assets, also for education for his grandchildren, some personal items to his adult... [Read More]

Why We Do What We Do

I’ve always been protective of friends, loved ones, and teammates. It’s probably why I played offensive tackle in football and center in basketball. It was always about sacrificing myself in the game for the good of the team or others. I’ve always had a very high “Protective Streak.” In establishing a relationship with my clients... [Read More]

Mickey Rooney’s Estate Fight

Five days after the 93 year old actor died the family headed to Court to fight over where his body should be buried. The drama is not surprising as Mickey Rooney was previously a victim of elder abuse at the hands of his adult step son and wife who exploited millions of dollars from him.  He... [Read More]

It’s the People, not the Stuff

Love people and use things.  Not the other way around.  Our relationships are the high points of our lives.  That may include our faith relationship. Those relationships are the most precious gifts that we receive.  Our sweetest memories we have maybe of our children’s laughter, our friend’s understanding or looking into the eyes of someone who... [Read More]

Home, Sweet Home!

After spending a few days in the Northeast where it was roughly 20 degrees colder, home prices and taxes are at least two times more expensive and there are way more people & more lines I am so much more appreciative of little old Western North Carolina.  There are good and helpful people wherever you go, but... [Read More]

Strange Days…

Russia invades Ukraine, a giant jet disappears and Spring never comes to the mountains. Strange things happen that we never anticipate happening. Natural events like unending winters, dangerously aggressive acts by world powers such as invading a neighboring country, and whatever strange events are happening in your own life. We need to be flexible and... [Read More]