MM LAW PLLC

If "Gangsta's Paradise" can teach us anything about estate planning, it's this:

Coolio died on September 28, 2022 at age 59. 

He died without a will.

In fact, reports said Coolio never signed an estate plan at all!

What happened next is exactly what I warn families about.

Because there was no trust or will, his former manager had to go to probate court on his behalf and was appointed special administrator to collect residuals and handle financial matters. 

His estate- personal property, deposit accounts, financial accounts, insurance policies and royalties, were suddenly frozen. 

Court filings listed his seven adult children as his next of kin and probable beneficiaries, but reports also noted Coolio had 10 kids in total.

One estate planning attorney noted at the time his estimated net worth was $3 million and he had 10 children and 5 grandchildren. 

So now you have 7 listed, 3 not listed, royalties still coming in, and a manager - not family - having to ask a judge for permission to handle everything.

No privacy. Extra legal fees. Months of delay.

This is not just a celebrity problem.

I see this same pattern every week.

A second marriage, kids from another relationship, a house and a few accounts, and no updated plan.

The law then decides for you, and your family pays for that decision in court.

Coolio's story could have been prevented with estate planning documents.

You do not need to be famous to need this.

If you have kids, a home, or people you love, you need it.

Protect yourself. Protect your family.

Do not make them go to court to prove what you wanted.

When you are ready to get your plan done or updated, give me a call.

This post is for educational purposes and based on public probate filings. It is not legal advice.

What’s one thing you wish your parents had explained about their finances, property, or estate before you had to figure it out yourself?

True Probabte court story for a woman in her 70s.

Her husband passed away less than a year ago without a will. He had two children from another marriage, and now those children are trying to force her out of the home she has lived in for nearly 20 years.

This is heartbreaking, and it is also preventable. She is mourning. Grieving her deceased husband and being attacked for one thing- money from her home. She was not on the deed, only the mortgage. Thats another issue to discuss for another day.

A simple estate plan - a will, a trust, a deed done correctly - makes your wishes clear and may keep your family out of court.

Without one, state law decides. And that often means expensive litigation for the people you love most. Do you want to be in charge or let the state of Alabama decide?

If you have been putting it off, let this be your lesson to get it done.

Protect yourself, protect your family, and protect your home. A trust is for everyone with a home, children, a business, assets you want to avoid in Probate and a 6 month creditor window.

When you're ready, I'm here to help.

Attorney advertising. For informational purposes only and not legal advice.

This is what it looks like when clients become clients of other clients. What a wonderful group of clients I have! Momma Sugar Rush took the photo. 🎉🥳🍩🏡

💪I acknowledge and admire this strong couple who came to me for a regular estate planning appointment that turned into a possible whirlwind of struggle. ☯️
🕰️Appointment- 2pm. I arrived at their home and found a potentially dire situation. An estate plan was in place and executed by the end of the night.
🌞Current day- I see a strong confident person who saw that hurricane pass by, whose smile lights up your day and positivity that radiates inspiration out of every word that is spoken. I’m thankful and humbled. 🙌 *photo posted with permission.

The benefits of house calls to clients- donuts! 🍩 Nappie finalist .

Did you know that: "Our Trees Grow Beads" with tree image is a Federally Trademarked brand name of Lemon Tees, LLC, tied to Mobile, Alabama's Mardi Gras heritage, inspired by the tradition of beads left in live oak trees during the parade season.

Origin of the Phrase
The phrase came to life during a Mardi Gras float trim in Mobile. Lemon Tees, LLC, owner Tim Finnigan watched a video of tree trimming and noticed beads left in the branches. Finnigan joked, “Hey! Look at that! That tree’s growing beads!” — and the slogan and Federal trademark with image was born.

In Mobile, the beads remain year-round, symbolizing the city’s role as the birthplace of Mardi Gras.

The Lemon Tees, LLC Brand
Lemon T’s, a local apparel shop at 560 Dauphin Street in Mobile, has turned the slogan into a branded merchandise line. Their “Our Trees Grow Beads” with tree image collection includes:

Polo shirts in various color combinations.

Long-sleeve and short-sleeve shirts in comfort color styles.

Sweatshirts and tie-dye shirts.

Youth-sized options and stickers for vehicles or coolers.

Rope snapback hats in Mardi Gras designs.

All items feature a stylized tree with bead necklaces hanging from its branches above the text “Our Trees Grow Beads”.

Where to Buy
You can order from Lemon T’s online or in-store. The shop is located next to O’Daley’s on Dauphin Street. https://www.lemon-ts.com/brands/

Trademark Status
The phrase is trademarked by Lemon Tees, LLC under Federal Registration Number 7,950,902. If you are using this image without prior approval, please take the initiative to reach out to my firm to establish legal licensing opportunities and avoid infringement claims.

Here is a reminder to vote Mechelle Musgrove for best estate planning attorney! I’m honored that you got me into the finals!

Vote Nappies! It's NAPPIE TIME!