Julie Lopiccolo - Family and Estate Law

Apr

Gene Hackman’s Estate: A Wake-Up Call

April 8, 2025Julie LopiccoloArticles, Beneficiary Rights, Estate Planning, Home, Trusts, Uncategorized

Gene Hackman’s $80 million fortune is in legal limbo after his wife died just days before he did, highlighting the estate planning crisis that countless families face, including possibly yours. Gene Hackman’s Estate: A Wake-Up Call The recent passing of legendary actor Gene Hackman has revealed a complicated estate situation that serves as a powerful...

Feb

Common Estate Planning Questions Part 2 of 2

February 7, 2025Julie LopiccoloUncategorized

Estate planning can seem overwhelming, but understanding a few key concepts can make a world of difference for your family’s future. Common Estate Planning Questions Part 2 When it comes to planning for your family’s future, the options can feel overwhelming. Should you get a will? Create a trust? And what happens if you do...

Dec

Lessons from Tony Bennett’s Estate Battle

December 30, 2024Julie LopiccoloUncategorized

When legendary singer Tony Bennett passed away in July 2023, he left behind an estimated $100 million estate and, unfortunately, a family divide threatening to tarnish his legacy. His daughters Antonia and Johanna Bennett are now suing their brother, Danny, who serves as trustee of their father’s estate, alleging a lack of transparency and potential...

Oct

Common Estate Planning Myths Debunked

October 23, 2024Julie LopiccoloArticles, Beneficiary Rights, Children, Estate Planning, Law, Trusts

October 21-27 is National Estate Planning Awareness Week, which means it’s time to shed light on this often misunderstood and frequently avoided topic. You might think estate planning is only for the wealthy or too complicated and expensive. These are just a few myths surrounding estate planning that I hear often. In reality, estate planning...

Sep

Would $23,000 Make a Difference to You?

September 9, 2024Julie LopiccoloArticles, Beneficiary Rights, Children, Estate Planning, Trusts

Imagine discovering thousands of dollars that belong to you, only to be told you can’t have it. This frustrating scenario became a reality for a woman named Dale Benerofe, a Georgia resident when she found $23,000 in unclaimed property from her deceased parents. Her tragic story sheds light on a little-known issue that affects millions...

Jun

How Will Your Kids Be Taken Care Of If You Are Not Around?

June 21, 2024Julie LopiccoloUncategorized

As parents, we’re hardwired to prioritize our children’s well-being above all else. We work tirelessly to provide for them, nurture them, and ensure they have every opportunity to thrive. Yet, amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to overlook a crucial aspect of their future: what happens to them if we’re no...

May

UPDATING YOUR ESTATE PLAN FOR DIVORCE

May 23, 2024Julie LopiccoloArticles, Divorce, Estate Planning, Law

Even if the process is amicable, divorce can be one of life’s most stressful events. With so many major changes taking place, it’s easy to forget to update your estate plan—or simply put it off until it’s too late. However, neglecting to update your estate plan for divorce can have potentially tragic consequences. And you...

Mar

Three Estate Planning Documents Your Parents Need Right Now

March 20, 2024Julie LopiccoloUncategorized

Today, we’re diving into a topic that is absolutely crucial: estate planning for your parents. As they gracefully navigate their golden years, ensuring their peace of mind (and yours!) becomes a top priority. Whether they raised you the way you want, or showed you how you want to do it differently, as your parents’ age,...

Feb

Two Conversations About Money and Death You Need to Have With Your Parents Right Now

February 23, 2024Julie LopiccoloAssets, Estate Planning, Trusts

If you’ve given any thought about estate planning, you probably associate it with preparing for death. But did you know that there are critical reasons (and significant benefits) for planning while you’re still well and alive? That’s why I refer to my services as Life & Legacy Planning. When done right, planning for your assets...

Nov

Naming Godparents Does Not Create Legal Guardians

November 20, 2023Julie LopiccoloArticles, Beneficiary Rights, Estate Planning, Trusts

Naming Godparents Does Not Create Legal Guardians As a parent, your top priority is the well-being and future of your children. You plan for their education, health, and happiness, and often this planning includes the tradition of choosing godparents to guide and mentor your children if something happens to you. While selecting godparents is a meaningful...

1 2