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From Margaritaville to the Courthouse: Lessons from the Jimmy Buffett Estate Battle
When Jimmy Buffett passed away in 2023, he left behind an estate reportedly worth $275 million—and a dispute between the co-trustees responsible for administering it. The conflict highlights an important estate planning lesson: even well-drafted trusts can run into problems if the people responsible for carrying them out cannot work together. Here’s what families can learn about trustee selection from the Buffett estate battle.

Colin McMichen
Mar 11


Do I Need a Will If I Have a Trust?
If you have a trust, you might wonder whether you still need a will. The answer for most families is yes. A trust only controls assets titled in its name, while a will acts as a safety net for overlooked property and allows you to name guardians for minor children. Understanding how a will and trust work together ensures your estate plan is complete, avoids probate issues, and protects your family according to your wishes.

Colin McMichen
Feb 18


How Trusts Protect Your Children and Grandchildren: A Guide to Multi-Generational Wealth Planning
A trust is one of the most effective ways to protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are honored. Unlike a will, a trust can provide long-term guidance, privacy, and protection for your family—helping manage assets for children, support beneficiaries responsibly, and avoid probate. Learn how a trust can safeguard your legacy and provide clarity, stability, and peace of mind for future generations.

Colin McMichen
Nov 5, 2025


Frank Fritz Estate Battle: Lessons on Will Contests, Capacity, and Guardianship
After American Pickers star Frank Fritz’s passing, a contested will and $6 million estate battle have raised major questions about capacity, guardianship, and inheritance. His case shows how illness and guardianship complicate estate planning—and how disputes can delay the administration of an estate. Families in Alabama and Florida can learn from his story: plan early, document capacity, and work with an estate planning attorney to avoid costly courtroom battles.

Colin McMichen
Sep 11, 2025


“Get Up, Stand Up” for Your Estate Plan: What Bob Marley’s Legacy Teaches Us About Dying Without a Will
When Bob Marley died at 36, he left no will—sparking decades of legal battles over his music, image, and estate. Despite preaching peace and wisdom, Marley’s lack of planning left his loved ones in conflict. Learn what went wrong, and how to protect your own legacy with clear estate planning. Do not leave your future—and your family's peace of mind—to chance.

Colin McMichen
Jul 23, 2025


When a Couch Holds a Fortune: The Legal Takeaways from Aretha Franklin’s Handwritten Wills
Guidance from a Birmingham, Alabama estate planning law firm. Aretha Franklin gave the world decades of unforgettable music—but in death,...

Colin McMichen
May 5, 2025


Revocable Living Trusts: Flexibility, Control, and Protection for Your Estate
Guidance from a Birmingham, Alabama estate planning law firm. If you are like most people, you have probably heard of trusts but may not...

Colin McMichen
Mar 14, 2025


The Surprising Consequences of Dying without a Will or Trust in Alabama
Guidance from a Birmingham, Alabama estate planning law firm. Do you know the consequences of dying without a will or trust in Alabama?...

Colin McMichen
Mar 13, 2025
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