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Attorney-CPA Joe Cordell and co-host Susan Arthur continue their discussion on estate planning issues that arise for celebrities. They discuss musician Ray Charles and the issues surrounding the trusts that he established for his children, as well as the amount that he left for his charitable foundation. Due to a lack of clarity and updates regarding the amounts being given to each child, litigation occurred.

Joe and Susan also discuss musician and aspiring politician Sonny Bono and his lack of will during the time of his death. They highlight how her former wife, Cher, sued the estate for unpaid alimony and was able to collect, despite her own success.

They talk about R&B singer Barry White and the lack of updates of his will. This, paired with the fact that his divorce to his second wife was not made legal, caused problems among the family members involved.

Joe and Susan also break down the issues surrounding Michael Jackson’s last wishes and the issues surrounding having a pour-over will and not putting the assets in a trust, as well as the estate of former Miami Dolphins owner Joe Robbie and the problems he had with his will, revocable trust, and his spouse’s forced share. They wrap up the show by discussing how much money Leona Helmsley gave her dog after she died.

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Attorney-CPA Joe Cordell and co-host Susan Arthur answer listener questions, regarding issues that those facing the aging process would find helpful. These questions answer topics surrounding protecting assets, when you are attempting to qualify for Medicaid,  whether payments to third-parties are subject to the five-year look-back rule of Medicaid, whether or not writing the wrong address or wrong last name on a Power of Attorney document requires getting a new one, how competency can play a factor in determining whether or not someone is fit to live on their own, utilizing the legal maneuvering involved in creating a new Power of Attorney, in order to override the decision-making of someone named in the original one, the time that it takes to settle an estate, and so much more.

Joe and Susan discuss what the best way is to give money to your grandchildren, what a 529 plan is, the benefits of a trust, and how insurance policies can affect qualifying for Medicaid.

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Attorney-CPA Joe Cordell and co-host Susan Arthur talk about the forms and paperwork that often can be involved in the long-term planning process. As the years go by, it is important to have a plan in place, and Joe talks about the costs that go into the estate planning process and how saving money in the planning process does not always translate into your wishes being executed after you die.

Joe discusses how the amount of money you have factors into the decision-making involved in estate and long-term planning, as well as how an experienced elder law attorney will be the one completing all of the necessary tasks to create a comprehensive and complete will or trust.

Joe also talks about how important the customization aspect of the planning process is. When you go online for a form, you may not be getting all of the customization you may require, and Joe explains why it is important to invest in the extra aspects of your long-term plan.

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Attorney-CPA Joe Cordell highlights those who are not quite at the age of needing the services of any type of estate and elder plans, but why it still is important to do so. He talks about the importance of knowing the government rules and how your age interacts with the regulations regarding elder law and estate planning.

He talks about how the start of the process can lead to disagreements among otherwise peaceful families, regarding who gets what in terms of assets and responsibilities. Joe also breaks down the necessity of having a health care proxy, such as a health care Power of Attorney. He explains how vital it is to make your wishes regarding the simplest aspects of your future known.

Joe also breaks down the rules and regulations that kick into effect after you die. He explains why probate is a necessary part of the process and how many look to trusts to avoid wills and probate.

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Attorney-CPA Joe Cordell and co-host Susan Arthur break down the mistakes that notable individuals have made in their estate plans. For example, former Supreme Court Justice Warren Burger did his own estate planning and left out provisions that ended up costing his loved ones. Doris Duke was not discerning in her choice of executor and trustee when she was estate planning, costing the charities that she wanted to help significant amounts of money.

Florence Griffith Joyner did not inform her family where her estate documents were located, making it so her probate took four years to close. Michael Jackson never fully funded his trust, leading to public fights, probate courts and more.

Joe and Susan highlight how important it is to have a lawyer that understands estate law and avoid the mistakes that others have made. Additionally, Joe highlights how trusts can reduce the challenges and risks that many who utilize wills may come across.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]