Suicides can often leave many issues unresolved. Have you heard about the controversy surrounding Robin William’s estate? Family drama mixed with the wife’s desire to claim her share has lead to many recent news articles. Do you know what lessons can be learned here for a Palm Beach resident considering an estate plan? Learn more here before you draft your Palm Beach will or trust documents.
Planning for the Unfortunate
- No one likes to talk about the two things that we cannot escape: death and taxes.
- Are you prepared for your spouse’s death?
- Probably, after all you know about Florida’s elective share statute that entitles a Palm Beach widow or widower to one third of the decedent’s estate.
- But what about for the death of a parent?
- Have you asked about their estate plan?
- What happens when your parent has remarried?
- Palm Beach probate litigators know that this is a hot button issue that can lead to in fighting, will contests and trust disputes for years to come.
- A recent unfortunate example has shown in the case of Robin William’s wife Susan Schneider.
- Who do you believe?
Schneider vs. The Williams Family: Who is Telling the Truth
- In the initial stages of Robin and Susan’s relationship everyone seemed impressed, Susan seemed genuinely interested in her husband’s well being.
- Shortly after the marriage though things turned a bit south and she began to only care whenever the press was present.
- After finding out that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease the woman took a solo vacation.
- Can a probate court admit this kind of evidence?
- It depends if it is relevant to the case.
- Presently over a year after Williams’ suicide the family is still battling Susan Schneider in court over the inheritance and estate.
- First the court let them settle it amongst themselves but when that did not work litigation ensued.
- With the aid of a mediator most of the estate has been split up.
- Now what is left is who gets most of the effects left in the San Francisco home where the beloved comedian took his own life last year.
- Experienced Palm Beach probate litigators know how to turn a probate battle into a settled peace and that sometimes an all out probate war may be lurking in the background.
Are you prepared to fight?