Blog - "Altman Speaks"

Standing on Ceremony: Will Signing

What involves two witnesses and a notary? Your Will signing, of course. Or at least that’s how we do things here at Altman & Associates. And for good reason, too. Ceremony surrounds the signing of a will because the document carries significant weight. Without appropriate, legally recognized proof that your will is in fact your […]

"That's MY Inheritance!" Tortious Interference with an Expected Inheritance

What happens when a step-mother allegedly coerces her husband, on his deathbed, to divert bequests to her and away from his daughters? In Florida, one option is to sue for something called “Tortious Interference with an Expected Inheritance,” and disgruntled stepdaughters did exactly that in Saewitz v. Saewitz. However, in an opinion dated January 4, […]

New York District Court Says Same-Sex Spouses Can Use Federal Marital Deduction

In the battle between state and federal government to define “marriage,” a New York same-sex couple was victorious in Windsor v. U.S., a June 6, 2012 decision handed down by the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. Therein, Judge Jones ruled that Thea Spyer’s estate was not required to pay […]

Beneficiary Designations: An Integral Part of Carrying Out an Estate Plan

On March 3, 2012, a circuit court decided Estate of Kensinger v. URL Pharma Inc., a case with simple facts, a nuanced legal answer, and a practical reminder that filling out beneficiary designations on retirement and other financial accounts is an integral part of carrying out an estate plan. William Kensinger left his 401k plan to […]

Cash to Cover Up an Affair? Yep, That’s a Gift!

...Or at least it seems like it was considered a gift in the context of former Senator John Edwards’ affair with Rielle Hunter. Rachel Mellon, an heiress with billions in assets, gave Rielle $725,000 to keep quiet about her affair with John and their resulting baby. Because Mellon gave Rielle the money on John’s behalf, […]

Can a Trust Shield Your Assets from Your Creditors?

A “spendthrift clause,” enforceable in many states, is a provision written into an irrevocable trust document that restricts creditors of a beneficiary from reaching the trust’s property. The concept is far from new, but for over 100 years, drafting errors have been rendering such provisions moot. In 1910, Harry S. Langhorne learned this lesson the […]

Beware of Crooked Financial Advisors

Every since Bernie Maddoff made the news, there have been countless stories of investment advisors going rogue and not being a proper steward of their clients’ assets. I have read these stories with dismay as each one of these stories makes it more difficult for anyone to trust a financial advisor/planner or other investment professional. […]

Estate Planning for Infants Genetically Conceived After Death

Recent blogs have discussed planning for children genetically conceived after their parent’s death, and you’ll recall that the Maryland Governor recently approved legislation on that point. If you’re in a jurisdiction whose legislature has not addressed the issue, however, you can take the matter largely into your own hands through proper estate planning. The Supreme […]

A Memorial Day Message from the Altman Team

On behalf of the entire Altman & Associates team, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the Veterans and currently enlisted Servicemen and women of the United States Armed Forces. We are grateful for your service and sacrifice – both past and present. My wife comes from a long line of military service […]

The Heels of Recent Supreme Court Decision: Maryland Governor’s Determination of “Child” Now More Important than Ever

In a recent post, we discussed legislation passed by both the Maryland Senate (SB71) and House (HB101) to alter the definition of “child.” Today, the Governor approved the legislation, and it will take effect on October 1, 2012. “Child” now includes infants who are genetically conceived from an individual’s genetic material, if the individual consented […]

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Recent Posts

Happy Holidays and Altman Office Schedule

The "Awkward Tort": Tortious Interference with an Expected Inheritance

Digital Asset Planning: From Facebook and E-mail to Bill Pay and iTunes

Charitable Deduction Denied: Taxpayer Probably Wishes He’d Read the Instructions!

Adopted In or Adopted Out? Defining "Children" in Your Estate Plan Requires Careful Consideration

Aging Parents: There’s a Plan for That (and Probably an App)

Trusts or Foundations? Private or Public? Making Charitable Donations Isn't One Size Fits All

Gary Altman Discusses the Fiscal Cliff with CNN's "Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer"

Leaving a Lasting Legacy is More than Just Dollars and Cents

Happy Thanksgiving from Altman & Associates!

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