News Archives - Lowthorp Richards

No Will, No Control: The Legal Aftermath for Amy Winehouse and Jimi Hendrix

December 10, 2025December 10, 2025 by socialspice20

empty directions chair with lights reflecting Two legends left behind extraordinary music but no estate plans

As we’ve seen throughout this series, dying without a will or trust doesn’t just affect the ultra-wealthy, it affects anyone with assets, family, or a legacy to protect. In this final installment of our series on the laws of intestacy, we look at two celebrated musicians whose talent changed music forever: Amy Winehouse and Jimi … Read moreNo Will, No Control: The Legal Aftermath for Amy Winehouse and Jimi Hendrix

Famous Estates, Costly Mistakes: Lessons in Legacy Planning from Howard Hughes and Kurt Cobain

November 24, 2025November 21, 2025 by socialspice20

Professional camera resting on top of estate planning documents on a wooden desk, representing Lowthorp Richards law services.

The laws of intestacy don’t just affect average families, they’ve shaped the legacies of some of the most famous names in history. In this installment of our series, we look at two icons from very different worlds: Howard Hughes, one of the richest men of his era, and Kurt Cobain, a rock legend whose career … Read moreFamous Estates, Costly Mistakes: Lessons in Legacy Planning from Howard Hughes and Kurt Cobain

When the Music Stops: The Estates of Bob Marley and Jimi Hendrix

October 22, 2025 by socialspice20

Microphone under concert lights symbolizing the enduring legacies of musicians Bob Marley and Jimi Hendrix — used for Lowthorp Richards estate planning blog

In our previous post, we explained how dying without a will triggers the laws of intestacy, a legal system that decides who inherits your property when no valid estate plan exists. Today, we’re taking a closer look at two music icons whose untimely deaths show just how complicated things can become when those laws take … Read moreWhen the Music Stops: The Estates of Bob Marley and Jimi Hendrix

Taxing Your Investments: What Law Changes Mean for Capital Gains and Dividends

September 23, 2025September 22, 2025 by socialspice20

The investment landscape is shifting again with the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill(OBBB)—a sweeping tax reform package that has redefined how capital gains and dividends will be taxed beginning in 2025. For investors, these changes have far-reaching consequences, especially for those looking to preserve wealth and minimize tax exposure through strategic estate planning. … Read moreTaxing Your Investments: What Law Changes Mean for Capital Gains and Dividends

Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Reporting Requirements Put on Hold: What This Means for Businesses

February 11, 2025February 8, 2025 by socialspice20

In a recent legal twist, the reporting requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) have been temporarily put on hold, causing confusion and uncertainty for businesses that were preparing to comply with the regulations. On December 23, 2024, the Fifth Circuit Court issued a ruling reversing an earlier decision, which had allowed the government to … Read moreBeneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Reporting Requirements Put on Hold: What This Means for Businesses

Exciting Developments Unveiled: Lowthorp Richards and The Hathaway Law Firm Forge a New Legal Legacy in Ventura County

December 12, 2023December 6, 2023 by socialspice20

In a monumental shift that will reshape the legal landscape of the Central Coast, we are thrilled to announce the impending merger of two esteemed law firms within Ventura County—Lowthorp, Richards, McMillan, Miller & Templeman, and The Hathaway Law Firm, LLP. This transformative union is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2024, giving rise to the start of a dynamic legal entity, Lowthorp Richards, LLP. Prepare for a new era of legal excellence and continued client-focused service.

Upstream Basis Planning – The Smart Way to Reduce Your Taxes

July 15, 2022July 18, 2022 by socialspice20

There are various ways to reduce your taxable income, including a number of significant tax deductions, credits, and exclusions to look at. While there are dozens of deductions available to choose from, one that often gets overlooked is the option to reduce your capital gains (or income) taxes via the upstream basis method. This method allows you to calculate the cost basis after the sale of an investment or other capital asset. Find out more about this smart way to reduce your taxes by reading this quick guide on Upstream Basis Planning to reduce your Capital Gains Tax!

The Ultimate Guide to Dealing with an Uninsured Motorist

July 15, 2022July 5, 2022 by socialspice20

One of life’s constant frustrations is playing by the rules, doing the right thing, and watching the results of hard work threatened by someone who does not or cannot act responsibly. You can work, save and manage risk by having insurance, but all of that may seem futile if an at-fault motorist driving a vehicle crashes into your vehicle or property and causes catastrophic damage, both to property and to people. Nothing can bring back life and health when it is significantly damaged. Unfortunately, California has the highest number of uninsured drivers in the country. However, you can at least have the peace of mind to know that it will not destroy your business or estate. Attorneys can structure risk management and estate planning tools to thwart the harm of uninsured motorists as much as possible.

How an Industrial Setting Can Result in Negligence and Wrongful Death

July 15, 2022June 20, 2022 by socialspice20

Unfortunately, Murphy’s law is real, and you have to shield yourself from calamity. Even with the best of intentions and your desire for universal safety, someone under your employ or care may suffer a negligent injury and perish. It happens much less nowadays, but even one event is too much. Many employees, customers, patients, and their families, in addition to the negligent party, face significant loss when a tragedy strikes.

Separate Property Trust as an Alternative to Prenups

June 6, 2022June 6, 2022 by socialspice20

Even though love is grand, the incidence of marital separation is not trivial. Subsequent marriages carry an even higher rate of failure. One should not plan for divorce but rather be prepared for it, just as one should generally be prepared for misfortune by having in place estate planning instruments like wills, trusts, and other directives.