helmsley - Toronto Estate Law Blog http://estatelaw.hullandhull.com/articles/blog-posts-hull-on-estates/ en-us Copyright 2011 Mon, 10 Sep 2007 00:09:41 -0500 Tue, 12 Apr 2011 16:10:32 -0500 http://www.movabletype.org/?v=3.34 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Dogged Estate Troubles Leona Helmsley’s estate continues to raise eyebrows, and serves as an illustration of what not to do when estate planning.

Following her death, it was revealed that she set up a $12m US trust to care for her dog, Trouble.

Last week, it was reported that the named trustee of the trust, her 80 year old brother (who received over $15m US himself from the estate) does not want to care for Trouble. It is yet to be seen whether the alternate trustee, Leona’s grandson, will take on the responsibility.

In addition, Leona’s will directed that Trouble, following his death, be buried with her at the family mausoleum. However, state laws forbid animal remains from being interred at human graveyards.

To make matters worse, it appears that Trouble bit a housekeeper, and the housekeeper now wants a piece of Trouble’s money.

The present circumstances illustrate the need for open discussion of estate plans. Trustees should be consulted in order to ensure that they actually will agree to take on the role of trustee; special requests should be explored to ensure that they are feasible.

Thank you for reading,

Paul Trudelle

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