Kenneth Kossoff - Panitz & Kossoff, LLP

11/05/2026

When a Malibu millionaire left his $28 million fortune to "animal welfare charities," he trusted a close confidante to carry out his final wishes. Instead, millions ended up funneled to friends' brand new charities, which have yet to begin caring for animals.

Even the most specific wishes can go off track if the wrong person or institution is put in charge of the ex*****on. Choosing the right executor or trustee—someone with unquestionable integrity, accountability, and a clear understanding of your intentions—is just as important as deciding who inherits your assets.

Read the full story here: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/he-left-millions-to-animals-his-executor-gave-it-to-her-friends-charities-which-have-done-little/ar-AA2fUfKQ?ocid=socialshare

10/21/2026

A thoughtful and well-crafted Estate Plan can minimize the "inheritance drama" between your loved ones.

Learn more from this article in The Wall Street Journal, and give our team a call when you're ready to get started at 818.865.0766.

It’s often the stuff you haven’t even thought of that can create the biggest divisions.

10/13/2026

"Unlike the popular book [for] new parents...there is no 'what to expect when your parents are aging' book for caregivers."

Many of us step into the role of caregiver as our parents age, something Ken has personal experience with: He assisted in caring for his mother until it came time to hire around-the-clock care.

Check out this article from CenterWell Senior Primary Care for helpful information on putting together a plan for caregiving responsibilities:

https://www.centerwellprimarycare.com/en/resources/checklist-to-care-for-aging-parents

10/06/2026

What Estate Planning choices can help your heirs stay out of court?

A fascinating new study from the WashU Law Review dives into the root causes of family inheritance disputes, pointing out how certain structuring choices can fuel familial friction and sibling rivalry.

The big takeaway? Taking the time now to clarify your intentions and build balanced, transparent structures protects both your assets and your family relationships down the road.

Read more in this article from CNBC:

The study identified contested trust disputes by examining thousands of civil filings that were scheduled to come before San Francisco Superior Court.

09/30/2026

Even the most carefully crafted legacies can face unexpected hurdles when grief, high-profile assets, and family dynamics collide.

Recent legal developments surrounding Dolly Parton’s estate—including a temporary restraining order issued to protect her business empire and brand partnerships—highlight just how complex estate administration can become.

Protecting a lifetime's worth of work calls for proactive measures, including the right legal framework to shield an estate from conflict.

Read more at FindLaw:

A restraining order and alleged extortion and threats of violence have complicated Dolly Parton’s estate administration. Learn more at FindLaw.

09/22/2026

Navigating an Estate Plan shouldn't feel like a trip to Margaritaville without a compass.

Though Ken has been a fan of Jimmy Buffett's music for decades, the high-profile legal battle surrounding Buffett's $275 million trust is a powerful reminder that proper estate planning goes beyond just drafting documents.

Whether you're building a music empire or protecting a family home, taking the time to structure your estate correctly ensures your legacy brings peace of mind to the people you love—not a court battle.

Read more about what this high-stakes case teaches us about estate planning risks:

A legal dispute involving Jimmy Buffett’s widow and longtime financial adviser over a trust estimated at $275 million is drawing attention to the challenges fam

09/16/2026

When icons like Dolly Parton pass away, headlines naturally turn to questions about massive fortunes and multi-million dollar estates. But high-profile estates also highlight a very practical lesson for everyday families: the power of privacy and proper planning.

Whether you're managing a global enterprise or protecting a family home, having a thoughtful plan in place ensures your wishes are explicitly honored and your loved ones are cared for.

Read more from OK! Magazine:

Dolly Parton had an estimated net worth of $450 million as of June 2025, according to 'Forbes.'

09/12/2026

Having clear, trusted safeguards in place for your estate plan can protect against theft by certified professionals. Taking control of your planning now ensures your wishes are honored and the right people are looking out for you and your family.

A recent CalMatters.org investigation sheds light on real risks in California regarding court oversight of professional fiduciaries, showing how warning signs can sometimes slip through the cracks.

Read the full report here:

Records show that court officials and the state Professional Fiduciaries Bureau missed red flags in an alleged $6 million Ponzi-like scheme.

09/03/2026

Caregiver burnout can affect anyone—even icons like Dolly Parton. When caring for a loved one takes a toll on your health and well-being, having the right legal and support structures in place can make all the difference in lightening the burden.

Watch this quick video featuring a doctor's perspective on Dolly Parton's story and what her experience teaches us about prioritizing self-care and asking for help:

08/25/2026

📝August is National Make a Will Month, making it the perfect time to ensure you have a fully updated will (or trust).

This guide from the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel - ACTEC includes a wealth of helpful resources such as educational videos, FAQs, and interactive guides to help you understand key steps in the process.

Explore ACTEC's planning resources here: https://www.actec.org/august-is-make-a-will-month

If you're ready to create or update your Estate Plan, contact our team at 818.865.0766.

ACTEC celebrates Make-A-Will Month with free videos and podcasts to help you start or update your will and protect your loved ones.