When Co-Trustees Clash: What the Jimmy Buffett Trust Dispute Can Teach Families
When Jimmy Buffett died in 2023, he left behind more than a musical legacy and the Margaritaville empire. His estate plan directed assets worth an estimated $275 million into a marital trust for his wife, Jane. Their three children were named as remainder beneficiaries, and Buffett appointed his longtime business manager, Richard Mozenter, to serve […]
When a Trustee Treats Trust Property as Their Own: Lessons From Moffat v. Srebro
Imagine your mother passes away. She created a trust, transferred property into it, named her three children as equal beneficiaries, and appointed one of them to serve as trustee. On paper, it sounds like a reasonable plan. But then the trustee moves into one of the trust’s homes without paying rent. Substantial renovations are made […]
Do You Need to List Your Assets in a New Hampshire Trust?
One of the most common misconceptions we encounter when helping New Hampshire residents set up a revocable living trust is this: people assume the trust document itself needs to contain a detailed list of every asset they own. They picture a legal document that reads like an inventory — their Concord home, their savings account, […]
Why We Usually Recommend Against Naming Joint Fiduciaries
One of the most common conversations in estate planning involves a question that sounds simple on the surface: “Can I name both of my children as executor?” Or trustee. Or power of attorney. The answer is usually yes — but the better advice is often no, and here’s why. The instinct behind the question is […]
New Hampshire’s Homestead Exemption Is Jumping in 2026 — Here’s What That Means
Every once in a while, New Hampshire quietly makes a legal change that has a huge impact on everyday people. This is one of those changes. Starting January 1, 2026, the New Hampshire homestead exemption—the law that protects the equity in your primary residence from most creditors – is getting a major upgrade. For decades, […]
What Wealthy Families Should Know About Estate Tax Exclusions
Most families in New Hampshire never have to worry about federal estate taxes. As of 2024, the federal estate tax exemption was about $13.6 million per person—a limit so high that it excluded nearly everyone. But in July 2025, Congress passed (and President Trump signed) the “One Big Beautiful Bill”, which permanently raised the exemption […]
Estate Planning Lessons from Gene Hackman’s Unfortunate Passing
Estate Planning Lessons from Gene Hackman’s Unfortunate Passing When news broke that Gene Hackman had passed away, fans everywhere paused. The man was a legend—known for roles in The French Connection, Hoosiers, and Unforgiven. But while the world reflects on his legacy on-screen, those of us in estate planning take a slightly different view: what’s […]
Do I Need a Trust If I Have a Will?
Planning for the future involves making decisions about how your assets will be distributed after you’re gone. Many people assume that having a will is enough, but in some cases, a trust may offer additional benefits. Relevant factors on deciding on whether to get a trust include the complexity of your estate, your age, whether […]
If I pass away can I have someone other than my ex-spouse get custody of my children?
If I Pass Away Can I Have Someone Other Than My Ex Get Custody Of My Children? The question of who gets custody of your children in the event of your death is a crucial one, especially if you have an ex-spouse and you are concerned about their fitness as a parent. As divorce attorneys […]
Should I put my adult child on the deed to my house?
One of the most common questions we get when advising on estate planning is “Should I Put My Adult Child on the Deed to My House?” Before saying “yes” or “no” to this, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons before deciding whether to add an adult child to the deed of your house. […]