Los Angeles, Calabasas, Westlake Village and San Fernando Valley, CA Estate Planning Firm
High-profile estate disputes often dominate the headlines, but they also offer lessons for ordinary families. The long-running litigation surrounding Sumner Redstone’s capacity and control of his media holdings reminded the public that even vast fortunes can become entangled in court when health declines and documents are challenged.
In a recent development, the court dismissed one of the pending cases—a reminder that these battles can drag on for years and consume resources that might otherwise have passed to beneficiaries or charity.
What Families Can Learn
Capacity challenges typically arise when there is a sudden change in an estate plan—especially near the end of life—or when a vulnerable person appears to be influenced by a caregiver, advisor, or new companion. While most families will never face publicity on this scale, the underlying issues are familiar: Who had authority to act? Was the person of sound mind when the document was signed? Were proper formalities observed?
Reducing the Risk of Disputes
Clear documentation, consistent medical records, and timely updates to powers of attorney and trust provisions can reduce—but not eliminate—the likelihood of a challenge. Naming a disability panel or requiring periodic reviews with your existing advisors may also help demonstrate that your plan reflects your ongoing wishes.
Estate planning is not only about taxes and probate avoidance. It is about reducing the chance that your family will end up in court asking a judge to decide what you meant. If you have concerns about an aging parent’s plan or your own documents have not been reviewed in several years, we encourage you to schedule a consultation. ← Back to Articles/Awards