Author: Heather Frigaard

20 Jul TRUMP ACCOUNTS – IMPACT ON REPORTING GIFT TAX AND PUBLIC BENEFITS

Posted at 09:00h in Estate Planning, Michael Cohen Dallas Elder Lawyer, Public Benefits Protection, Special Needs, Special Needs Trust, Taxes

As part of the One Big Beautiful Bill, the U.S. government is permitting the establishment of Trump accounts whereby the government will give $1000 to children born in the U.S. on or after January 1, 2025 until January 1, 2029. Others can generally contribute up...

13 Jul “COSBY SHOW” KID’S WIDOW SUES MOM AND ESTATE CITING POST-NUPTIAL AGREEMENT

Posted at 09:00h in Estate Planning, Inheritance, Lawsuits, Michael Cohen Dallas Elder Lawyer, Trusts

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who played the role of Theodore Huxtable on “The Cosby Show”, died July 20, 2025 in a drowning accident. He had not updated any of his estate planning documents since 1996 when he established the Warner Family Trust (the “Trust”) which left 70%...

06 Jul THE INK WAS DRY ON ZAPPOS CEO’S DEATH CERTIFICATE BUT THERE IS STILL A BATTLE OVER HIS ESTATE – WILL THE CASE TO BE DETERMINED BY INK?

Posted at 09:00h in Estate Planning, Lawsuits, Michael Cohen Dallas Elder Lawyer, Probate Administration, Wills

Although it was originally believed that Tony Hsieh, Zappos CEO and founder, died without a Will, the Wall Street Journal has reported a Will may have been found. A man from Pakistan called and sent a copy of the purported will to Las Vegas...

29 Jun 30 Common Mistakes When Completing A Nursing Home Medicaid Application Or Planning For Eligibility

Posted at 09:00h in Disability Benefits, Elder Justice, End of Life Care Planning, Estate Planning, Home Equity, Long Term Care, Medicaid Application, Medicaid Planning, Medicare, Michael Cohen Dallas Elder Lawyer, Miller Trust, Mortgage, Nursing Home, Probate Administration, Social Security, Special Needs, Special Needs Trust, Taxes, Trusts

The cost of long-term care is great (average is around $7,900/month in Texas). As a result, many apply for long-term care Medicaid for governmental assistance to help pay the facility and drugs. It is not unusual for us to receive calls after either a facility...

21 May Study Reveals Lifestyle Interventions Reduces Dementia Risk

Posted at 15:46h in Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Elder Justice, End of Life Care Planning, Long Term Care, Michael Cohen Dallas Elder Lawyer

A study of over 2,000 Americans between the ages of 60–79 shed light on how the risk of dementia can be reduced if 4 categories of lifestyle habits are utilized. As we age, dementia risk increases. The U.S. Pointer study, sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association,...

21 May Murder She Wrote Update: Will Convicted Husband Killer and Children’s Grief Book “Author” Kouri Richins, Profit by Murder?

Posted at 15:46h in Estate Planning, Lawsuits, Michael Cohen Dallas Elder Lawyer, Probate Administration, Wills

Kouri Richins (hereinafter, “Kouri”) was found guilty of aggravated murder of her husband, attempted aggravated murder, forgery and two counts of insurance fraud on March 16, 2026. She was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole on May 13, 2026. Shortly after murdering...

21 May Deathbed Incomplete Beneficiary Designation Form Determined Valid Benefitting Ex-Spouse Instead of Spouse

Posted at 15:46h in Beneficiary, Estate Planning, Long Term Care, Michael Cohen Dallas Elder Lawyer, Wills

A Federal Court of Appeals recently ruled that a failure to complete the entire beneficiary designation form did not invalidate the designation since it was in writing, signed, witnessed and received by the proper office before his death. Gary Herbert (“Gary”) and Kathleen (“Kathleen”) Herbert were...

21 May Anna Nicole Smith’s Poor Estate Planning Gives Daughter Free Rein on Derby Day

Posted at 15:44h in Estate Planning, Michael Cohen Dallas Elder Lawyer, Probate Administration, Trusts, Wills

Anna Nicole Smith’s daughter, Dannielynn, has reached the age of majority, leaving her in full control of the money she inherited from her mother. It is often recommended by estate planning attorneys that inherited assets be held in trust (i.e., for education, maintenance or support)...

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