Miz Suzie Needed A Place with Care; She Got A Lemon

An “orphan” elder, Miz Suzie knew she needed a professional fiduciary. One recent case came to ACE because the other professional fiduciaries Miz Suzie named had retired or expired.  An attorney was contacted to seek court approval of a professional fiduciary after Miz Suzie had passed away. Her nieces and nephews did not live anywhere…

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Cold Cash and Hot Wallets

Cold Cash and Hot Wallets Do you collect pennies or cyptocurrency? Either way, your named trustee will need to do something with them when you are gone. Cold Cash and Hot Wallets Do you collect pennies or cyptocurrency? Either way, your named trustee will need to do something with them when you are gone. Pennies…

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Honor & Dignity

After a brain aneurism, heart, and lung failures; a World War II and Korean War veteran, “R.S.â€, could only communicate by writing his questions and short responses. In his last communication to his loved ones, he struggled to say something very important, but he could not be understood. He was given a pen and paper,…

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When a Family Feud Needs an Umpire

A family in conflict is not a pretty sight. Before you know it, a family can begin litigation over the family jewels, the family dog, or most often control of decision about mom or over assets. It can get expensive very quickly. Litigation squanders family resources, but sometimes it is inevitable. While it’s not what…

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Who Are Orphan Elders Among Us?

The Chain-Smoking Ex-Nun It was a chain-smoking ex-nun who taught me what my job required. More than the law firm, more than the fiduciary classes, she taught me that my job is often as “midwife into heaven”. She was one of the first “orphan elders” I helped as trustee and health agent. She taught me…

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Independence Takes Sacrifice

The 4th of July is a day we celebrate the America’s Independence. We remember the history of our country which includes recalling the sacrifice of many who gave their lives for our freedom.  Just as we all know that gaining and keeping freedom has a cost, we must also understand that independence (for countries or individuals) requires a support system, effort, and sacrifice.

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Who Are Orphan Elders Among Us Part 1?

A man and woman sitting at the dinner table.

Peter’s Story Peter had a tragic childhood. His mother and he fled his birth country due to persecution. Eventually, he learned a second language and immigrated to the United States, where he became a teacher. Since he was single and he saved money, his estate upon his death, was worth over $5,000,000. Since he had…

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What Is Your Legacy?

Republished from The Fifth Chapter Blog, original date 10/29/11, Updated 4/28/22 I have finished my Saturday chores. A practice that still evokes my mother busily catching up on cleaning after a week of full-time work and prodding me to do the same. She always told me her mother said, “Do your duties before you play†so I…

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Collaborative Conservatorships

Not all cases involve high family conflict. Even when they do, family situations can improve with a neutral fiduciary. One of the most rewarding aspects of our work are situations that become collaborations with family members.  Our role as Conservator is extremely important to provide the legal authority to act on someone’s behalf, and while we provide…

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Don’t Lose Your Valued Client to Dementia

An interview between fiduciary and investment advisor One of the crucial members of an effective support system for aging family members and clients is their investment advisor. Professionals that interact with their clients regularly, such as investment advisors and tax preparers, can often see the decline over time that can come with dementia. We wanted…

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