Valerie Powers Smith
An elderly man recently contacted my law firm because he believed I was helping someone he had met online obtain an inheritance. The person communicating with him through WhatsApp used my name, professional credentials and publicly available information about...
I do not have children, but my dearest Prosecco, Quinn, Annabella, B.I.G., Winston, and Rhys will have enough money for their full care for the rest of their lives if I pass away before them. Who are they? They are my ponies and pups. If you have loved ones in your...
What Can We Learn from the Jimmy Buffett Trust Lawsuit? The recent litigation over Jimmy Buffett’s substantial estate, valued at approximately $275 million, has provided a stark and illuminating lesson in trust and estate planning. Buffett, who passed away in 2023,...
Estate planning can provide peace of mind, ensuring that your assets, interests, and loved ones will be protected after you die. Still, it is fertile ground for potentially costly and emotionally painful mistakes. Whether due to oversight or improper planning, estate...
GUEST COMMENTARY With Britney Spears’ conservatorship case in the spotlight recently, the term “conservatorship” has, possibly for the first time, become a household term. The truth is, the details and facts behind Spears’ case are not yet fully accessible to the...