Navigating Solo Aging with Dr. Gerda Maissel
Law Brief: Alexis Gruttadauria and Rich Schoenstein Discuss Why You Need an Estate Plan
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
In the late 19th century, death was almost fashionable. Funerals were well attended and even rivaled weddings in their splendor and expense. Department stores offered an array of luxury clothing for grieving mothers and...more
Divorce is a major life change that affects far more than just your relationship status. One crucial—but often overlooked—aspect that needs immediate attention after a divorce is your estate plan. Failing to update your...more
In Arizona, spring is when the sun shines brightly, and the temperatures are perfect for enjoying outdoor activities. As much as we love the spring warmth, it is important to remember that with all that sunshine comes the...more
For newly married couples and those starting a family, estate planning is often thought of as something to address later in life. However, as discussed by Dan Stone, an associate in the Elder Law Practice Group at Mandelbaum...more
What do you need to know about estate planning for pets in San Diego and throughout California? What are some of the essential elements of an effective estate plan that will protect your beloved companion(s) while ensuring...more
We all remember “The Brady Bunch” — the picture-perfect story of two families seamlessly coming together under one roof, complete with a catchy theme, and every conflict resolved neatly in 22 minutes. But in reality, blending...more
A question for you: do you have an estate plan? Of course you do, everyone needs an estate plan. Second question: who is(are) the beneficiary(ies) of your estate plan? Someone you love and trust, I presume. Perhaps a spouse,...more
Blending families often introduce unique dynamics. In addition to the day-to-day challenges and opportunities that blended families create, there is also careful planning to consider when creating or updating an estate plan....more
The media is filled with stories of deceased celebrities whose final wishes were either unknown or the subject of dispute. An important lesson: You can retain control of your finances after incapacity and remain in control of...more
When the Supreme Court made its landmark decision in Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015, same-sex couples across the country gained the right to marry. But with recent shifts in the legal landscape, such as the overturning of Roe...more
Frank Fritz, star of the History Channel show “American Pickers,” suffered a stroke, became incapacitated, and died on September 30, 2024, at age 60. Before he passed away, his friend, Chris Davis, became his legal guardian....more
It is fascinating when the types of cases we handle in our practice come to life in the media. Recently, former talk show host Wendy Williams has been the subject of media attention because she has a court-appointed...more
Whether you’re a dog lover, a cat person, or a caretaker for another kind of feathered, scaly, or furry friend, pets are an important part of our lives. Yet when individuals are creating their estate plan, their pet’s future...more