by Estate Planning Attorney Nydia Menendez Michael Jackson was born on August 29, 1958 in Indiana. When he was only eight years old, he joined the family music group composed of Michael and his four brothers Tito, Marlon, Jermaine and Jackie. They were called the Jackson 5. Michael was a musical prodigy and soon became the lead voice of the group. His singing and dancing talents were extremely mature for a kid that age. By the 1970s the Jackson 5 became one of the most accomplished black pop/soul vocal…
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Elvis Presley’s Estate … Not Quite Fit For A King
by Estate Planning Attorney Nydia Menendez Elvis Presley was an American singer, musician and actor, well known as an iconic global symbol, winning the title “King of Rock and Roll,” or simply “The King”. The King sold over one billion records, starred in 33 films, made history with television appearances and specials, and played many record-breaking live concert performances in Las Vegas and throughout the country. Elvis died at his Memphis home on August 16, 1977, at the young age of 42, from heart failure related to drug addiction.…
Read MoreWalt Disney’s Daughter’s Estate Plan Left Much To The Imagination
by Estate Planning Attorney Nydia Menendez Walt Disney passed away in 1966 at the young age of 65. His Estate was valued at 23 million dollars. Walt was a good steward; he had done Estate Planning which left half his wealth to charity – an excellent way to reduce taxes. The other half went to his wife and two daughters, Diane and Sharon, in a Trust. So, why am I talking about this famous Estate? Because even though Walt Disney did good planning, the youngest daughter – Sharon – may…
Read MoreA Fast Look At Paul Walker’s Estate
by Estate Planning Attorney Nydia Menendez In late 2013, while on Thanksgiving break during filming for his upcoming movie, Furious 7, Paul Walker died in a tragic car accident. Ironically, many fans remember him by one of his famous quotes: “If one day the speed kills me, don’t cry. Because I was smiling.” Walker was only 40 years of age and was survived by his parents and his 15-year-old daughter, Meadow. Even though young at the time of his passing, Paul Walker understood the importance of managing his Estate in…
Read MoreLeona Helmsley – Is $12 Million Too Much To Care For A Dog?
by Estate Planning Attorney Nydia Menendez Leona Helmsley was a hotel heiress, which means she was very wealthy! And, although many people referred to Leona as the Queen of Mean, I don’t. Leona had a white Maltese named Trouble, which she adored. So, if she loved a dog, how mean could she be, right? In my book, anyone who cares that much for animals must have a heart. Leona passed away in 2007. Fortunately, she had done Estate Planning. Good for her. In her Estate Plan, Leona left the bulk…
Read MoreJacqueline Kennedy Onassis – A First Lady’s Final Estate
by Estate Planning Attorney Nydia Menendez Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis, known more commonly as simply “Jackie”, was the wife of our 35th President, John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in November 1963. The scene of her at her husband’s side during that tragic event is etched into the minds of millions of people around the world. After President Kennedy’s assassination, Jackie did not pursue public office or any type of celebrity life. She sought to live privately with her kids. Still, there was one paparazzo who mercilessly followed her and…
Read MorePrince’s Estate Was $300 Million … What Could Go Wrong?
by Estate Planning Attorney Nydia Menendez. When rock and roll legend Prince Rogers Nelson, known simply as Prince, died suddenly in April of 2016, his fans were filled with questions. Today, years later, all his heirs are asking questions. But it’s no longer, “What happened?” It’s “What WILL happen” … to the estimated one to three hundred-million-dollar value of Prince’s Estate? Prince died without an Estate Plan of any kind. Not even a Will. And Prince’s assets are confusing: cash, investments, royalties from music and merchandise, a Caribbean villa, and…
Read MoreTiger King, Estate Poor
by Estate Planning Attorney Nydia Menendez Have you seen the Netflix “Tiger King” series? During the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, with people stuck at home in quarantine, this series went viral, being watched by over 64 million households. The show focuses on infamous zookeeper, “Joe Exotic.” But the third episode, titled “The Secret” really got me interested because it was about Carole Baskin, the founder of “Big Cat Rescue,” which is Joe Exotic’s chief rival. Carole Baskin married millionaire Don Lewis in 1991. Together the couple co-founded “Wildlife on…
Read MoreThe Queen of Salsa’s Estate Plan … Complicated By Mr. Knight
by Estate Planning Attorney Nydia Menendez Celia Cruz was a Cuban American salsa singer who became a legendary icon of the Latin Music world. She was known as The Queen of Salsa – a title well deserved, because her style and music definitely reigned supreme. She was famous for her vibrant voice, flamboyant costumes, brightly colored wigs, and her signature line, Azúcar! The Queen of Salsa was born in Santos Suárez, a working-class neighborhood in Havana, Cuba. She started her musical career at a very early age. Although her father…
Read MoreWas Aretha Franklin’s Will Found in The Sofa Cushions?
by Estate Planning Attorney Nydia Menendez Aretha Franklin was known as the Queen of Soul. Her tunes were not just harmonically excellent, but the lyrics were inspiring, uplifting and absolutely empowering. Remember, Aretha hit big in the post Civil Rights era. So, in my eyes she was iconic on so many levels. Aretha passed away in March of 2018. She was only 76 years old. When she died her family believed she had no Will or any other form of Estate Planning. Under Michigan law, that meant her Estate would…
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