Many Americans view estate planning as a tool — and topic — for the rich and famous. But even some of the wealthiest celebrities neglect to plan for their future. Take the estate of the late musician Prince, for example. The artist died with no known will, leaving the fate of his $100 million fortune up in the air. The legal ramifications are enough to make doves cry.

The outcome of Prince’s estate is still to be determined. For now, the estate’s special administrator is allowed to hire entertainment experts to maximize the value of his assets. This might sound like a wealthy celebrity problem, but the reality is that prolonged legal disputes around estates happen every day to average Americans. More than one-third (35%) of respondents to our recent estate planning survey said they’ve either personally experienced or know someone who has experienced family conflict as a result of not having a will or estate plan.

The enactment of the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 expanded the available courses of action for aggrieved parties to protect their trade secrets. Signed into law on May 11, 2016, the Act gives federal courts jurisdiction over trade secret cases and allows individuals to bring a private cause of action in federal court.

How your estate planning practice can best serve clients in light of new estate and tax legislation