Slow times in the estate planning/probate news arena. I have 3 quick
hits tangentially related to estate planning and probate, albeit with
minimal lessons.
First, the estate of the Tin Man's son is suing Warner Brothers for the proceeds of a documentary about The Wizard of Oz.
The Tin Man's son died in 2001at the age of 68. Unlike humans, copyrights seem to last forever.
The Tin Man's son died in 2001at the age of 68. Unlike humans, copyrights seem to last forever.
Second, last week was the 65th anniversary of the
death of a Canadian man who wrote his will on the under side of a
tractor under which he was pinned. The will which said "In case I die in this mess, I leave all to the wife" was valid.
In Ohio, the assets of a person survived by his spouse and children from that marriage who be distributed by law to the spouse. One less thing to worry about if ever pinned under a tractor.
In Ohio, the assets of a person survived by his spouse and children from that marriage who be distributed by law to the spouse. One less thing to worry about if ever pinned under a tractor.
Finally, the estate of sculptor Alexander Calder, who
died in 1976, is suing the estate of his art dealer who died 5 years ago
for fraud. The suit involves allegations of Swiss bank account, sale of forgeries, and payments of $5 million in hush money.
Yes, $5
million in hush money. Apparently, there is ample money to be made in
high end art for artists and their representatives.
