May 18, 2012
Posted by vanderhave in Blog - "Altman Speaks"
Jack of All Trades? Not In My Profession!
I am an Estate Planning Attorney. A recent case in Florida points out the dangers and pitfalls of attorneys wearing too many hats. An attorney who prepared various trusts and wills for a client, then sold the same client various annuity products. The attorney was eventually disciplined and sued... Read More
May 14, 2012
Posted by vanderhave in Blog - "Altman Speaks"
Controversy Over Pepsi Cola’s Secret Formula
As odd as this might sound, I have never even tasted Pepsi or Coke. However, that doesn’t make the recent case involving Pepsi’s secret formula interesting to me, as an estate planning attorney. Apparently, the heirs of Richard John Ritchie, who is credited with reformulating Pepsi-Cola in... Read More
May 9, 2012
Posted by vanderhave in Blog - "Altman Speaks"
On the Horizon: Maryland’s New Definition of “Child” and “Funeral Expenses”
Currently, Maryland State law (Estates and Trusts §1-205) defines a “child” as “a legitimate child, an adopted child, and [certain] illegitimate child[ren]…A child does not include a stepchild, a foster child, or a grandchild or more remote descendant.” After the current legislative... Read More
May 7, 2012
Posted by vanderhave in Blog - "Altman Speaks"
New Maryland Law Discriminates Against Pit Bulls
The Maryland Court of Appeals (the state’s highest court) has issued a devastating opinion to the families of pets who happen to be short-haired muscular mutts or can be proved to be a Pit Bull or a Pit Bull mix. Regardless of the loving family history of you and your pet, and no matter how many... Read More
May 3, 2012
Posted by vanderhave in Blog - "Altman Speaks"
Congress Debates the Five-Year Rule For IRA Trust Planning
In Recent Blogs, The Evolution of IRA’s: Why Designating the Right Beneficiary is Only the Beginning and The Importance of IRA Distribution Planning, we have discussed the long term planning goals for maximizing IRA benefits. On February 27, 2012 in the Senate, Senator Baucus, in Senate Bill... Read MoreConnect with us!
