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Home >> Estate Planning Articles >> Selecting an Estate Planning Attorney Wisely

Selecting an Estate Planning Attorney Wisely

October 22, 2014 by Robert Kulas.

Selecting an Estate Planning Attorney Wisely

Written By: The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys

When former NFL quarterback, Steve McNair, died without a Will, his family members were left to fight over his expansive estate. Immediately after his death, although news reports indicated the NFL-star had provided instructions to his family and that his wife wasn’t trying to exclude his mother from inheriting, things quickly deteriorated.

Two years later, on the anniversary of McNair’s death, his mother was sued by his widow, Mechelle, over property taken from a 45-acre ranch in Mississippi. His mother said the ranch had been a no-string attached gift from her son, but she was evicted from the ranch by Mechelle’s lawyers and asked to return $54,363 to McNair’s estate after she reportedly took items she had purchased from the home upon leaving.

To avoid similar problems, many celebrities create a Will. A Will alone, however, is no guarantee that things will go smoother after death. The case of child-star, Gary Coleman, shows what can happen when estate planning is not done professionally.

Coleman signed a Will in 2005 naming his friend and the former head of his corporation as the executor and beneficiary of his estate. However, after getting married in 2007, he signed a handwritten amendment to the Will leaving his assets to his wife. The couple divorced in 2008 but continued to live together. When Coleman died in 2010, his ex-wife claimed she should inherit all of his assets. The dispute, like so many others that arise when a Will is unclear, ended up in court as Coleman’s ex-wife and his friend battled over his home, his pension, and the intellectual rights to his works.

Coleman made the mistake of failing to update his Will properly. However, there are lots of other mistakes that can be made when it comes to estate planning. For example:

· A Will can be created without following legal requirements, including having the Will witnessed properly.

· A new Will can be created without destroying or revoking the old one, leaving beneficiaries confused about which document should control.

· A Will could be created that leaves property to a beneficiary despite the fact that the deceased doesn’t actually have the right to do that. For example, a property held in joint tenancy will pass automatically to a co-owner after death, despite what a Will may say.

· A Will could be created leaving assets to someone even though a beneficiary is designated elsewhere. For example, if you leave an IRA or a life insurance policy to someone in a Will, the Will won’t control. Instead, the money will be paid out to whomever was named as the beneficiary of the policy or account.

These are just a few examples of the many pitfalls that can occur when you try to handle estate planning without advanced knowledge of the law. Don’t make this mistake – get help from a qualified and experienced estate planning attorney. Your beneficiaries will be grateful that you planned and spared them disputes and heartache that may occur after you are gone.

Kulas & Crawford

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I have known Robert Kulas for 20 years since I was co-executor for friends who had Mr. Kulas prepare a Trust for them. When I felt I needed a trust also, I came to him. I have always been completed satisfied with his work and that of his charming, competent staff.

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Robert Kulas and staff made making a will an easy to understand process. They were very knowledgeable and attentive to my wishes. All my documents were provided in an organized binder which will be a great asset to my family. I would definitely recommend them.

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Everyone treated us extremely well.  Robert explained how a trust works and the benefits of having one.  We decided to move forward and complete the process.  He was very kind and knowledgeable.  Julie was also very helpful and very patient with our questions.  We felt very comfortable with this firm handling our affairs.  We would highly recommend this firm to our friends and family.

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"Everyone treated us extremely well.  Robert explained how a trust works and the benefits of having one.  We decided to move forward and complete the process.  He was very kind and knowledgeable.  Julie was also very helpful and very patient with our questions.  We felt very comfortable with this firm handling our affairs.  We would highly recommend this firm to our friends and family."

Janice M
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

Robert Kulas and staff made making a will an easy to understand process. They were very knowledgeable and attentive to my wishes. All my documents were provided in an organized binder which will be a great asset to my family. I would definitely recommend them.

Krissy L.
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August 25, 2020
    

I have worked with Mr. Kulas & staff before. And they are very professional. I am very satisfied with Mr. Kulas and his staff and give them the highest satisfaction and 5 star rating.

Leo C.
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Mr. Kulas and his staff have been extremely helpful & knowledgeable for the over 3 years we have been associated. They are easy to talk to and explain everything without feeling rushed. Very competent and professional.

Mildred W.
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

I have known Robert Kulas for 20 years since I was co-executor for friends who had Mr. Kulas prepare a Trust for them. When I felt I needed a trust also, I came to him. I have always been completed satisfied with his work and that of his charming, competent staff.

Joan C.
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

We began our estate plan process in 2004 (12 years ago) and have been pleased with the periodic reviews we have gone through and when changes have been needed the firm has been thorough and professional in making those changes.

L.G.K.
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