10 Estate Planning Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake Number 6 – Promising to Include Someone in Your Will (Marlon Brando)

When Marlon Brando died in 2004, his housekeeper sued his estate claiming the actor had promised to leave her his house.  Marlon Brando had a will that made no mention of the alleged promise to his housekeeper.  While the details of her claim are unknown, the estate reportedly settled the lawsuit in 2007 for $125,000.

Under New Jersey law, a promise to include a beneficiary in your estate plan is only enforceable if the promise is in writing in the form of a legally enforceable contract. Oral promises are not enforceable.

How long has it been since you reviewed your estate plan with an attorney?