Steps you can take to make sure this doesn’t happen to your own family.

One of the interesting things about estate planning, is that in many cases the greatest family conflicts are over the smallest of things. The family fight that can cost thousands and tear apart your family forever may not be over a large inheritance, but over who receives certain personal items and family heirlooms. Such is the case of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s children.

Martin Luther King, Jr.’s children have been involved in several legal disputes over his estate. According to several reports, the newest fight is over control of his Nobel Peace Prize medal and his personal Bible, which are currently in the possession of his daughter, Bernice King. President Obama took the oath of office for his second term on the Bible. Bernice’s brothers, who control the estate, want the items returned to them. Bernice contends that her brother’s intend to sell the heirlooms to a private buyer - which she is opposed to.

Unfortunately, the dispute tearing apart the civil rights leader’s family is not uncommon. Many children end up fighting over the personal effects of their parents. But it doesn’t have to be this way. If you take the time to make a list of your heirlooms and who you want to receive them, many of these types of disputes can be completely avoided.

To learn more about protecting your family, give us a call today at 763-420-5087.

Chuck Roulet
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Nationally Recognized Estate Planning Attorney, Author, and Speaker
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