Attorneys Fees for Will Contests: The Good Faith Requirement

When a parent passes away leaving behind a blended family, the stage is often set for conflict. Children from different marriages may have vastly different relationships with the deceased parent, and estate planning documents sometimes reflect these complicated dynamics. Now imagine discovering that your mother’s will explicitly excludes you while including your siblings and step-siblings,…

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Can the IRS Disclosure Your Tax Info in Cases Agains Other Taxpayers?

You cooperate with an IRS audit. You provide detailed financial records. You answer questions about your business. Years later, you discover the IRS is using your information in cases against other taxpayers. The IRS is sharing details about your business location, your EIN, even the fact you’re under investigation for a tax promoter penalty. Is……

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Terms in Will for Older Trusts Controlled, Property did not Pass to Newer Trusts

When a loved one passes away, their carefully crafted estate plan should provide clear direction for distributing their assets. But what happens when the beneficiaries named in a will no longer exist by the time of death? This seemingly straightforward question becomes complex when dealing with trusts that terminated decades before the testator’s passing, yet…

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When Are Attorney’s Fees From a Settlement Deductible?

The employer-employee relationship can often lead to disputes. These disputes are often settled out of court. Whether it’s a wrongful termination claim, a defamation lawsuit, or other employment-related litigation, these settlements often involve significant attorney’s fees. The taxpayer receives a settlement check, but a substantial portion goes directly to their legal counsel under a contingency……

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When Can Probate Litigation be Dismissed Under Anti-SLAPP Laws?

A mixed family and a late marriage are often ingredients for a probate dispute. This is especially true when there are signs of mental decline and the new spouse appeared and quickly became the primary beneficiary. When these red flags combine with a will that dramatically changes long-standing estate plans, surviving family members face a…

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