“And They’re Off!” Pet Trusts for Horses
It’s Derby time! This means that it’s time once again to put on the fancy hat, mix-up the mint julep and watch 20 thoroughbreds compete for victory at Churchill Downs. Hopefully, the owners of these celebrated horses have properly planned their estates and have provided for the care and maintenance of their horses should something.. read more →
Amending Your Revocable Living Trust
Many people choose to have a revocable living trust as the center point of their estate plan. The revocable living trust contains instructions about how to manage your assets during your lifetime, after your death, and after the death of your spouse or significant other, if applicable. By choosing a revocable living trust as part.. read more →
Payments Due To Artists Under The California Resale Royalty Act
Today, Sotheby’s sold Edvard Munch’s iconic painting The Scream at auction in New York for $119.9 million. To keep in the spirit of this occasion, I think it is appropriate to write a blog article on art law. An interesting issue faced by artists and sellers of art in California is compliance with the California.. read more →
What To Do When A Loved One Dies
Loss of a loved one is a painful experience, whether the death is expected or unexpected. During the grieving process, it is hard to focus on what needs to be done to wrap-up a loved one’s affairs. The following is a list of things to consider during this time: 1. Take.. read more →
Beware of Artists Bearing Gifts
It is always nice to receive a gift. As my mom told me and my siblings repeatedly when we were growing up, “you should appreciate the gift because it’s the thought that counts, not whether or not you like the actual gift.” However, you should be aware that if you receive a gift of artwork.. read more →
Who Owns The Second Warhol Painting of Farrah?
Former Charlie’s Angels actress Farrah Fawcett died of cancer on June 25, 2009 at the age of 62. Farrah’s trust provides that upon her death, all of her artwork and objects of art are to be distributed to her alma mater, the University of Texas at Austin (UTA). Her trust does not define the term.. read more →
Is A Stuffed American Bald Eagle Worth $65 Million or $0?
Is a stuffed American bald eagle worth $65 million or $0? This is a question raised in the estate of the late art dealer Ileana Sonnabend. Ms. Sonnabend’s estate, valued at approximately $876 million, contains a sizeable art collection by such notable artists as Jeff Koons, Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, and Cy Twombly. Included in.. read more →
Death Of A Party In A Personal Injury Lawsuit
What happens when the plaintiff (the injured person) or the defendant (the person accused of causing the injury to the plaintiff) dies during the pendency of a personal injury lawsuit? Facts. Derrick Defendant loses control of his truck and smashes into the car driven by Phil Plaintiff. Both parties are seriously injured in the accident... read more →
What Is A POLST?
POLST stands for Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment. A POLST is a legal document to be signed by both a patient and the patient’s doctor, where the patient sets forth his or her wishes regarding end of life treatment. The instructions in the POLST must be based on the patient’s current medical condition and.. read more →
The ABCs of Community Property
Community property is a marital property system that defines what assets are jointly owned by spouses during their marriage. California applies its community property laws to registered domestic partners as well as to married spouses. For purposes of this article, references to spouses are also references to registered domestic partners unless stated otherwise. The determination.. read more →