Exploring Digitization of Health and Medical Data and Records Part Two
Assume sole trustee of an irrevocable discretionary trust for benefit of deceased settlor’s descendants living from time to time suffers a sudden unforeseen mental disability that causes trustee to imprudently administer the...more
In a previous blog, I discussed the process of a parent obtaining a guardianship for their special needs child. This blog discusses why it is not a good idea to try to shortcut this process and to simply have your child sign...more
When hostilities break out between individual co-trustees, incumbent trust counsel faces a representation conundrum. In §8.8 of Loring and Rounds: A Trustee’s Handbook (2025), see appendix below, we grapple with the...more
A financial power of attorney (POA) can be a critical component of your estate plan. It appoints a trusted representative (often called an agent) to make financial decisions on your behalf in the event you’re unable to do so....more
Wendy Williams’ ongoing legal battle over her financial conservatorship has reignited public debate on the complexities of incapacity planning. Although she allegedly executed a power of attorney (POA) in favor of her son,...more
People often assume that if their estate isn’t taxable, they don’t need to have an estate plan. In 2024, a Massachusetts estate tax return must be filed if the value of the deceased person’s gross estate exceeds $2 million. A...more
Dear Jonathan: Can you please explain what the difference is between a financial durable power of attorney and a health care durable power of attorney....more
Court-appointed guardianship is a critical legal process designed to protect individuals who are unable to make decisions for themselves due to incapacity or disability. In Pennsylvania, this system operates under specific...more
In the aftermath of Hurricane Florence in 2018, I wrote this article to help individuals and families navigate the legal and financial issues that often follow a devastating storm. I remember the incredible outpouring of...more
A conservator is an individual who manages the finances of an incapacitated individual, and a conservator cannot sell real estate owned by the incapacitated person without prior probate court approval. MCL 700.5423(3)....more
In a recent class-action lawsuit, ten disabled Alaskans have sued the State of Alaska and their court-appointed guardian. This case emphasizes the profound importance of comprehensive estate planning, extending far beyond the...more
Wendy Williams, the famous talk show host, has long been a media fixture, but in recent years, her name has been associated with a highly publicized guardianship battle. This case underscores the importance of estate planning...more
Celebrities like Jay Leno and Emma Hemming Willis (married to Bruce Willis) are speaking out about their experiences with guardianship and caregiving. If you are caring for a family member with dementia too, a time will...more
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee approved Public Chapter No. 695 on April 11, 2024, as passed by the Tennessee General Assembly (Trust Bill). The new law became effective on July 1, 2024, and it made several important changes to...more
Dear Jonathan: My father, a widower, passed away a couple of months ago. Being his only child, he appointed me as his agent on his durable power of attorney so that I can handle his bill paying which I have been doing for the...more
In most civil actions in the State of New Jersey, parties are responsible for the payment of their own counsel fees subject to limited exceptions. In the context of a guardianship action, however, the party who commences the...more
Legislation impacting guardianship cases in Pennsylvania takes effect tomorrow, June 11, so practitioners operating in this realm and those serving as guardians across the Commonwealth should make themselves aware of the...more
Michigan’s new Uniform Power of Attorney Act (UPOAA) becomes effective on July 1, 2024. This law serves several purposes, which include preventing financial exploitation of vulnerable individuals and making standard power of...more
A power of attorney (“POA”) allows a principal to assign their agent authority to make certain legal and financial decisions on their behalf. Because a POA can give an agent tremendous power over the principal’s affairs,...more
Guardians are a type of fiduciary appointed for a minor child or individual determined incapacitated by the courts. When appointed by a Last Will and Testament (“Will”), they are commonly known as testamentary guardians....more
Join attorneys Rob Morris, Esq. and Paul Norris, Esq. for this webinar presentation. Some of the topics covered will be: - Guardianship Procedures - Contested Guardianships - Adult Guardianships - Guardianship...more
Saturday evening’s television line-up included a story about former NFL tackle Michael Oher. His story was a 2009 feature film called The Blind Side that earned more than $300 million. The sum of the story is that Oher was...more
Isn’t it interesting that success is built into business succession. Still, most US companies do not have a business succession plan in place. What is business succession planning and how does it enhance your own success and...more
In each instance where we write about the domestic problems of the rich and famous we try to note that their resources make their lives and their choices inherently different. Last year we covered the Costner divorce and the...more