Massachusetts was the first state to legalize same-sex marriage. Eight more states have followed. But much remains to be clarified, even for same-sex couples in Massachusetts and those other states, about what their rights are under federal law. That is why today's...
Month: March 2013
When a fiduciary fails: abuse allegations and estate litigation
The word "fiduciary" derives from the Latin word for faith or trust. And in essence, a breach of fiduciary duty involves a breach of trust. "Trust" is also a legal term for a property right that one party exercises for the benefit of another. Those who exercise such...
Long-term care: sticker shock and available alternatives
Long-term care insurance: the very words summon up a range of emotions in families trying to make intelligent choices to plan for future care. It's a product whose value is so unpredictable that it's rather like a riddle for all concerned. How could something be at...
James Brown estate litigation shows importance of testator’s wishes
Why is it important to make sure your estate planning documents are in order? For a reminder, one need only look to the recent case of the legendary singer James Brown. The estate of the man often called "the godfather of soul" has been the subject of contentious...
