INTERPOL and Child Kidnapping Cases. What are INTERPOL’s Abilities and Limitations?
Serving the Diverse Needs of Children through Education Law: On Record PR
Life After Love Gone Wrong Podcast: Season 3, Episode 3 - Understanding the Role of Parent Coordinators
Data Privacy Unlocked, A Conversation with California Assemblymember Buffy Wicks
Estate Planning 101: The Five Most Important Clauses for Wills and Trusts
Every August, National Make-A-Will Month serves as a reminder of something most people would like to avoid. Planning for the end of life. Creating a will isn’t about dwelling on death. It is about taking control, protecting...more
It is easy to mistakenly assume that naming a guardian in estate planning documents is only critical for individuals with minor children. In reality, however, appointing a guardian is just as important for parents as it is...more
Speaking about death can be difficult but planning ahead brings peace of mind and protects loved ones from unnecessary stress. Having a professionally drafted will ensures your wishes are followed and your estate is handled...more
An estate plan allows a person to direct where their assets go on their death—having your estate planning in order allows your voice and your wishes to be heard. If you die without an estate plan, your wishes may not be...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
Heirs, Assets, and Arguments: Why Elder Law Attorneys Are Key in Probate Litigation - Probate is the legal process through which a deceased person’s assets are distributed to heirs or beneficiaries and debts are settled....more
Liam Payne’s sudden and tragic death shocked the world—but what followed should concern anyone without an estate plan. Despite a $32 million fortune, the former One Direction star left no will, leaving behind a young son, an...more
The United States is on the brink of the largest transition of wealth in its history, known as the “Great Wealth Transfer.” By 2045, an estimated $84 trillion in assets will be transferred from baby-boomers to their heirs. In...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
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
Divorce is an emotional and complex process, but one important aspect that often gets overlooked is your estate plan. If you don’t update it, your estranged spouse could still inherit your assets or make crucial financial and...more
Unintended consequences often occur without proper estate planning. This is common when minor children receive an inheritance. Since minors cannot possess assets directly, the inheritance must be held on behalf of the minor...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
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
Welcome to "Lost in Translation: Blunders in International Estate Planning." This blog series explores the intricacies of international estate planning, uncovering potential pitfalls and providing insights to navigate...more
A complete estate plan includes essential documents such as a Health Care Proxy, Living Will, Power of Attorney, and Last Will & Testament, which are vital in protecting your medical, legal, and financial decisions. These...more
U.S. citizenship is a privilege for many, but it can also be a burdensome and unwanted obligation for others. Some individuals find themselves to be U.S. citizens without wanting to be, such as if their parents...more
August is “National Make-a-Will” Month, the perfect opportunity to seriously consider your estate plan. Many delay this crucial task due to common misconceptions about what an estate involves. Here, we delve deeper into what...more
Most attorneys who work in the estate planning field have received a panicky, last-minute call from a client or potential client who is about to go overseas on a big trip (generally, the vacation of a lifetime). The anxiety,...more
One of the most common questions raised by clients is: how often should I update my Will? The answer to this question must be examined on a case-by-case basis and is heavily dependent on each client’s ever-changing present...more
Carole M. Bass and Cara Koss co-authored this article. The authors have long raised as an issue the impact personhood legislation could have on assisted reproduction and, by extension, on estate and trust administration...more
People often assume that if their estate isn’t taxable, they don’t need to have an estate plan. In 2023, a Massachusetts estate tax return must be filed if the value of the deceased person’s gross estate exceeds $1 million. A...more
What Happens? In a twisted psychological experiment, Allison and Peter Novak set up their friends Holly Berenson and Eric Messer (a/k/a Messer) on a date. Holly and Messer are as incompatible as pineapple and New York...more
California trust disputes often involve the interests of parents and their minor children. Sometimes those interests conflict. When disputes are settled, who looks out for the interests of children under 18 years of age? Who...more
The position of illegitimate versus legitimate children is often considered consigned to history but for those dealing with trusts on a day-to-day basis, the distinction may remain a live issue. This is illustrated by a...more