Navigating Solo Aging with Dr. Gerda Maissel
Law Brief: Alexis Gruttadauria and Rich Schoenstein Discuss Why You Need an Estate Plan
As attorneys, we all understand the critical importance of appointing a legal agent to manage financial decisions in the event of incapacity. Most of us have our own Powers of Attorney in place—and likely for our parents as...more
To many of us, our pets are members of the family. However, they are often overlooked in putting together an estate plan, where the traditional focus is on the disposition of a client’s assets and naming guardians for his or...more
Everyone should have an estate plan. Your estate plan is the roadmap in a crisis, providing guidance to loved ones on how to proceed and ensuring your wishes and goals are met. For those with young children or children with...more
Nearly 140 years ago, the United States Supreme Court first recognized that one who causes harm to another should not financially benefit from the estate of the harmed person. In Mutual Life v. Armstrong, the defendant was...more
Sometimes people going through divorce lack decision-making capacity. At times, the lack of decision-making capacity is the cause of the divorce. Other times, the incapacity occurred long before or after the separation, or...more
Marriages in the UAE are governed by the UAE family laws which include the personal status law and the civil status laws. The civil status laws include Federal decree Law No. 41 of 2022 governing non-Muslims in the UAE except...more
Estate planning involves preparing for an individual’s death, but just as importantly, it also addresses decisions and arrangements made during their lifetime. In Ohio, individuals planning for potential incapacity often...more
The past two years have brought a wave of legislative and judicial actions impacting the rights and recognition of LGBTQ+ individuals and families. According to the ACLU, over 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills were introduced across the...more
If you have a loved one with special needs, you know that caring for him or her can, at times, feel totally overwhelming. Presumably, you have retained an attorney to guide you through the special education process in your...more
Join host Candace Dellacona in this insightful episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, featuring Dr. Gerda Maissel, founder of My MD Advisor. Candace and Dr. Maissel discuss “solo agers” and the unique challenges...more
There is often confusion regarding mental capacity in the legal context. This is true not only for families but even for experienced legal professionals. Additionally, litigating issues of mental capacity can take an...more
Probate is the legal process through which a deceased person’s assets are distributed to heirs or beneficiaries and debts are settled. While many estates pass through probate smoothly, disputes can and do arise—sometimes...more
In the first part of this series, we explored the various legal avenues available to grandparents seeking visitation with their grandchildren under Ohio law....more
Much has been written about courts invalidating instruments or transactions after a person’s death. Courts invalidating instruments or transactions during a person’s lifetime is discussed less often. A mechanism for doing so...more
Grandparents often play a vital role in a child’s life: offering love, support, and stability. But what happens when family conflicts, parental unfitness or other difficult circumstances put that bond at risk? In such cases,...more
Estate planning is a crucial process for anyone looking to protect their family and assets, but for families with a loved one who has special needs, it requires additional considerations. Without proper planning, a...more
Especially in the beginning stages of building a family, legal documentation is not often top of mind. However, for young families, establishing a comprehensive estate plan is an important and proactive step toward...more
Careful planning for a loved one with disabilities is one of the most important and compassionate acts you can take as a parent or caregiver. It’s not just about securing their financial future, it’s about preserving their...more
As your child enters adulthood and embarks on their journey to college, there are many tasks to consider. Among the excitement of packing lists and dorm room must-haves, legal, financial and medical authorities are important...more
Recent years have seen an unprecedented rollback of many hard-won civil rights for LGBTQ+ Iowans at the state and federal levels. There are several ways LGBTQ+ Iowans can protect and empower themselves and their loved ones...more
Navigating special needs planning can be a complex journey for people with disabilities and their families and caregivers. As individuals with disabilities reach adulthood, important decisions must be made to ensure their...more
Careful planning for the future of a loved one with disabilities is crucial. Consider using legal entities such as a special needs trust to protect their ability to qualify for government benefits while meeting their...more
A geriatric care manager (GCM) is a professional who specializes in assisting older adults and their families with managing the challenges of aging. These experts come from various backgrounds, including social work, nursing,...more
Estate planning is not a task that often comes to mind for those who are newlyweds or those parents who are in the midst of raising young children. Either you’re still enjoying the post-wedding excitement and promise of a new...more
It’s always wise to hope for the best but plan for the worst, and, with global rates of dementia on the increase, planning for incapacity should be part of everyone's wealth and succession strategy. Where the assets held...more