The Ethical Will, an Ancient Concept, Is Revamped for the Tech Age

From: nytimes.com

JO KLINE CEBUHAR first encountered the ancient concept of creating an ethical will while she was a volunteer at a hospice in Iowa.

The wills, nonlegal documents that pass on heartfelt wisdom to future generations — were being used to help dying patients share their final thoughts. She became taken with the idea of passing on personal lessons — not…

It’s never too soon to consider our own legacy

From: startribune.com

You enter a solemn space where a eulogy is about to be delivered. Turns out that eulogy is for you.

What do you hope is said?

It’s a daunting question, one most of us would rather ignore. But there are compelling reasons to plow in and consider answers, as I did at a morning seminar last week.

I was there for work, mostly. Beginning Wednesday…

James Gandolfini left millions of dollars to relatives and friends — including his personal secretary and assistant — in his will, which was quietly filed in Manhattan Surrogate’s Court.

But the biggest chunk of the late “Sopranos” star’s bada-ching will go to his two kids — “beloved’’ son Michael, 13, and daughter Liliana Ruth, 8 months — as well as his wife, Deborah Lin, and his two sisters.

The star of the HBO mob hit was…

James Gandolfini made millions playing a character who spurned the government every day, but in death, the IRS may claim almost half his fortune. Veteran estate tax lawyer William Zabel has called Gandolfini’s will “a disaster” from a tax planning perspective, with over $30 million of the actor’s estimated $70 million net worth now due to Uncle Sam. The star’s biggest mistake? Leaving 80 percent of the estate to his sisters and daughter. This…

8 Big Estate Battles of the Rich and Famous

Nothing sets friends and family at each others’ throats more than an fight over money. Make it a dispute over a will and the fun really begins.

By thinkadvisor.com

The influence of former Playmate Anna Nicole…