Congratulations to Debra Leffler Streeter!

Debbie who served as President of the North County Bar Association in 2014, was recently issued a certificate of recognition from the very same organization.

Debbie remains an active member of the NCBA, as well as a huge advocate and supporter. Her recognition was awarded for “outstanding dedication.”

Make sure your final wishes aren’t clouded in mystery…

Many people associate the need for a will and trust with wealth. In truth, wills and trust benefit the non-wealthy more, as the wealthy can afford the increased taxes and long delays created by probate. Of course the benefit to the non-wealthy might be greater, but the stories that best illustrate the need for wills and trusts are sometimes best illustrated by the wealthy. Here is one such story …

Howard Hughes …

In his youth, Howard Hughes achieved great fortune and fame as an aviator, engineer, philanthropist, and film producer.

During the golden age of Hollywood he dated screen legends like Bette Davis, Ava Gardner, Katharine Hepburn, Ginger Rogers, and Jean Peter.

Historians credit him for pushing the mob influence out of Las Vegas; a feat he accomplished by purchasing established Vegas hotels (some from known gangsters), improving the conditions and creating fair gaming policies.

All his accomplishments however, couldn’t protect Howard Hughes from the obsessive compulsive disorder or chronic pains which he suffered. As conditions worsened, he transitioned from a “bigger than life business tycoon” into a severe recluse. He began to abuse both over-the-counter and prescription drugs. On April 15, 1976 Howard Hughes died of kidney failure, presumably from a drug overdose.

Howard Hughes left behind an estate worth more than two billion dollars. After nearly three and a half decades of litigation, the Hughes’s estate settled. Twenty cousins shared what was left of his considerable fortune.

But here is the rub …

Hughes’ general attorney, Frank P. Morse claimed Hughes never intended for any money to be given to distant relatives. Instead, he wished for it to be given to the Hughes Medical Institute.

If true, what an unfortunate turn of events for such a prominent and powerful figure. If only Hughes had a will and trust, we would know for certain what his wishes were. Instead, much like the man himself, his final wishes remain clouded in mystery.

For more information on wills, trust or other estate planning matters, please contact a qualified estate planning attorney.

Have you heard any good lawyer jokes lately? … Keep them to yourself!
Friday, November 6 is National Love Your Lawyer Day!

National Love Your Lawyer Day was founded by the American Lawyers Public Image Association (or ALPIA for short), in 2001. Originally introduced as, National I Love My Lawyer Day, the holiday is intended to change the often harsh public perception of lawyers. More so, it is the one day of the year dedicated to thanking and showing appreciation to our favorite lawyers or judges, for all the work they do the rest of the year (in their practice, on the bench, and in the community).

Okay. How do I show my support?

An easy way to show support is by simply not making any lawyer jokes or harsh comments about lawyers for the entirety of the day. Another is to call, send a card, or even a small gift to your favorite attorney.

This year however, ALPIA is upping the ante and pushing for self enforced fines. Which is to say; they are encouraging anyone unable to refrain from making a joke or criticism, to donate twenty dollars per infraction to the charity of their choosing.

One good deed deserves another…

Lawyers and Judges honored by National Love Your Lawyer Day are encouraged to perform at least one hour of pro bono work, or donate the equivalent time to charity.

As the holidays approach, we are all expected to share the cheer and be kinder to our fellow person. So, why not begin by taking a little time to say thank you to the lawyer or judge whose advice you found helpful? … Oh yeah … and please retire the joke about the lawyer, snake, road, and steer marks from your repertoire. … Yes, we get it. Yes, we have heard it. No, it doesn’t get better every time.

For information about wills, trust, or other estate planning documents, please contact a qualified estate planning attorney. … We bet you’ll find ours worthy of a thank you!

John Bowman’s Trust

Fall is here once again. The leaves are falling. The air is crisp. Pumpkin is the go-to ingredient… It’s time to sit back, sip a warm beverage, and prepare to indulge in a spooky tale of estate planning…

John Bowman was a prominent citizen during the Victorian period. Not only was he a Virginian and a millionaire, he was also a visionary of sorts.

In the late 1800’s, Bowman seemingly had it all; a beloved family, a prosperous estate worth millions, a will, trust, and a mausoleum.

Unfortunately for John, he out lived his beloved family which included a wife and two daughters. Yet, Bowman was quite decided that death was not the end, (especially for those with deep pockets and a deeper faith in reincarnation).

Bowman’s mausoleum became home to the lifeless bodies of his family. In 1891, John became its final resident.

However, before John Bowman died, he made his wishes known through estate planning, leaving behind a trust worth fifty thousand dollars. The purpose of the trust was to provide for the maintenance of his mansion and mausoleum.

John Bowman’s will stated that his staff was to prepare dinner every night in case the Bowmans returned from the dead. The will also stated that no one was allowed in the house overnight so as to not disturb the family.

John Bowman’s wishes were honored for nearly sixty years. However, in 1950 the money ran out, the trust dried up, and the Bowmans ran out of time.

By all accounts, neither John Bowman, nor any member of his family ever stepped foot out of the mausoleum. Of course, they haven’t hosted a visitor in 65 years. Perhaps all they are waiting for is a brave soul to bring them a midnight snack. … Consider it a challenge of sorts … if you dare.