Wills Are Public Information / Trusts are Not

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Following the tragic death of Paul Walker, it was reported that he bequeathed approximately $25 million in assets to his daughter. How did they get that information? It was in the probate filings of his executor, which also (presumably) contained a copy of his last will and testament. One can make a very strong argument that one’s financial situation, especially upon death, should be a private matter. Why should it be public information? However, consider the other side. Wills provide information to the families. If the wills were not public information, then estranged family members, or at least quarreling family members,...

08 May

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Making Family Aware of Your Estate

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in Probate, Wills & Trusts

All attorneys have their pet peeves. One of my growing pet peeves concerns people failing to notify their family about estate planning. It is very common for people to keep their estate and the distribution thereof private, especially if one or more of the descendants may be disturbed by the decisions. However, privacy and awareness are not exclusive terms. A few tips on maintaining privacy and awareness are listed below: 1. Write a Letter / Tell Someone. Write a letter to multiple family members stating the existence of a will and/or trust. Additionally, tell them where the will and/or trust...

Probate

Wills Are Public Information / Trusts are Not

Making Family Aware of Your Estate

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