Taxation & Estate Planning

Advanced Estate Planning (Estate Planning 102)
I usually think of estate planning as either basic or advanced (Estate Planning 101 and 102, as it were), and I spend most of my practice (and this blog) talking about the basics of estate planning...

California Sets New Records For Real Estate License Revocations, Surrenders As Illegal Foreclosure Rescue & Loan Modification Rackets Rage On
The California Department of Real Estate recently announced in a press release:The California State Department of Real Estate (DRE), the state department that issues licenses to real estate professionals and protects consumers in real estate transactions, revoked a record number of real estate licenses for cause in 2009...

Gifts for FHA Down Payments
Some of you lucky dogs have people willing to give you money to help with your mortgage down payment. But how does an FHA lender feel about that? First, gifts or down payment assistance can?t be from just anyone with a fat wallet...

Taxable Gifts Gaining Appeal
Over the past decade, the use of large gifts to reduce one?s estate has not been a popular technique. However, with the estate tax set to return next year at a higher level and a lower exemption amount, making large...

Blawg of the Day -- Real Estate Space
Doug Cornelius is a senior attorney at Goodwin Proctor in Boston, practicing primarily in real estate law. He publishes Real Estate Space, a commercial real estate finance law blog, with notes on real estate law and the real estate business from his perspective.

The Real Deal: Despite Protections, Real Estate Unfairness Still Exists
Los Angeles, CA: The ongoing credit crisis and the mortgage meltdown have affected real estate housing in ways not seen for decades. However, beyond the general economic contraction, and the impacts specific to the real estate industry, are various illegal and morally reprehensible practices, which for some affect everything from real estate closing fees to the acquisition of real estate in general.

Real Estate Brokers
Questions home sellers should ask potential brokers

Selection of State Supreme Court Judges
How State Court Judges are Selected

Real Estate Brokers
The role brokersplay

Estate Planning
Documents: durable power of attorney, living will, letter of instruction, and insurance trust

Wrestler Estate
Family of pro wrestler settle multi million dollar estate lawsuit.

Estate of Seth Tobias
$25 million estate to be split as part of settlement.

Medical Records
To Stay out of Pharma's Hands

Gulf War Syndrome
Panel Confirms it's Real, and Identifies Causes

Estate Planners Face Elder Abuse Class Action
California Estate Planners Face Elder Abuse Class Action

Killer Heir
Estate of Fred Keller pays $40 million settlement.