Estate Planning, Probate & Elder Law Attorneys

» Haiti contribution is exception to charitable giving tax rules

Q: Dear Rick: I'm preparing my 2009 tax return. The instructions state in order to deduct charitable contributions you must make the contribution in that calendar year.

» Tax Tricks For Kids
Here's how your bundle of joy can save you a bundle in taxes.

» Brooke Astor Saga Reaches Conclusion

I reviewed Meryl Gordon's book Mrs. Astor Regrets earlier this year (here) -- it was one of my favorite books I read in 2009.

The trial of Mrs. Astor's son, Anthony Marshall, is coming to a conclusion (barring appeals). Mr. Marshall was found guilty of "looting his mother's fortune" (another lawyer, Francis X. Morrissey Jr., was also found guilty) -- here is the story. I can't understand why the maximum sentence is only 3 years -- why is that? Because Mr. Marshall is rich? Ugh.

I'm also a little troubled by this line in the article:

The judge noted Marshall's World War II service and the possibility that the late Astor herself would have been aghast to see her son imprisoned, but he added that the law left him no choice but to impose a prison term.

1. Would Mrs. Astor REALLY have been aghast, in light of what her son did to her?

2. I realize that many people want to give members of The Greatest Generation a free pass (and unlimited free health care, free prescriptions, etc.) as a result of their actions in World War II, but I can't figure out why Mr. Marshall's heroics 60+ years ago have any bearing on this case.

» Get More Traffic From Google
Answers to all your frequently-asked questions about Google AdWords

» Does Life Insurance Cover Death During Surgery?
Courts at odds over whether hospital mishaps are accidents.