Blog Post
When it comes to estate planning, a will is one of the most essential legal documents a person can create. But not just any document claiming to express your final wishes will be recognized by North Carolina courts. State law imposes specific requirements that must be met for a will to be considered valid. Understanding…
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Disputes over a loved one’s will can be emotionally and legally complex. In North Carolina, a will can be contested during the probate process if there are legitimate concerns about its validity. Common reasons for challenging a will include lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence, duress, fraud, or improper execution. For families grappling with an…
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The unexpected death of singer Liam Payne shocked fans around the world. But the legal aftermath may prove just as unsettling—Payne reportedly passed away without a will, leaving behind an estate estimated at £24,279,728 (about $32 million). According to court documents, his estate now faces the complex process of intestate succession, where English and Welch…
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In a recent decision from the North Carolina Business Court, Barings LLC v. Fowler, the court shed light on the critical importance of fiduciary duty in business leadership. Barings, a global asset management firm, alleged that Ian Fowler, one of its former officers and managing directors, breached his fiduciary duty by helping orchestrate the mass…
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Stan Lee, the iconic co-creator of Marvel superheroes, was not only a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, but he also became the center of a high-profile elder abuse lawsuit after his death. The case, involving allegations against Lee’s former manager, Mac (a.k.a. Max) Anderson, has brought attention to the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals,…
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When it comes to estate planning, two of the most common legal tools used to manage the distribution of assets are trusts and wills. While they share a similar goal—ensuring assets are passed on according to your wishes—they are fundamentally different in their structure and operation. A will is a legal document that dictates how…
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Managing an estate across multiple countries can transform a straightforward inheritance into an overwhelming legal and tax nightmare. For cross-border families—those with international marriages, investments in multiple countries, or assets scattered around the globe—estates become far more complicated. Variations in tax laws, inheritance systems, and legal frameworks governing estate distribution can lead to costly litigation,…
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Elvis Presley’s legacy lives on through his iconic home, Graceland, and the empire built around it. However, his estate has been the subject of intense litigation over the years, with recent battles highlighting how estate disputes can evolve and impact significant family assets. The Presley family has experienced a particularly complicated legal journey regarding the…
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In the wake of Tony Bennett’s passing inJuly 2023, his family has found itself embroiled in a complicated legal battle over his estate. At the center of this dispute are allegations from Bennett’s daughters, Antonia and Johanna Bennett, that Bennett’s son, D’Andrea “Danny” Bennett, failed to properly manage his father’s estate and ensure it was…
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Fiduciary litigation often arises when those entrusted with managing financial assets fail to act in the best interest of the beneficiaries they serve. A recent case involving Universal Music Group (UMG) and the rock band Limp Bizkit highlights the high stakes of fiduciary responsibilities in the entertainment industry. According to Rolling Stone (via MSN), a…
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