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(Republished from The Fifth Chapter Blog, original date 10/20/11) 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 assets. It can get ugly very quickly. Litigation squanders family resources, but sometimes it is inevitable.…

It’s the time of year when some of the best surprises come in small packages. When we received that first check from an escrow company, I thought it was a mistake. We spoke with the escrow officer and she said, “There is no mistake. This check was directed to go to The ACE Fiduciary Group…

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 heavenâ€. She was one of the first “orphan elders†I helped as trustee and health agent. She taught me that an educated…

(Republished from The Fifth Chapter Blog, original date 10/3/11) I had a recent call from someone whose aging husband had uncharacteristically decided to call their stockbroker to place an order to buy stocks during a recent dip in the market. He had not been involved with the financial management previously. He exercised control over assets that while…

(Republished from The Fifth Chapter Blog, original date 9/30/11) The saying goes, “It takes a village to raise a child.†I think we are about to find out it takes a stage crew for our final scene. There is some kicking and screaming and a lot of help needed at both ends of life. Before that end point,…

(Republished from The Fifth Chapter Blog, original date 8/4/11) My group of friends and I find ourselves discussing our fear of entering the 5th Chapter more often than I would like to admit. We have talked about the various stages while we watch our children grow and our parents age. 1st Chapter: Fairy Princess/Super Heroes…

(Republished from The Fifth Chapter Blog, original date 7/14/11) My mother turned 75 today. Later, we will celebrate her creativity, vibrant energy, health & well-being by attending an art reception at a gallery showing some of her paintings. She rides a bike, swims laps and hikes, a lot! She keeps her mind healthy with meditation and prayer. Ever…

(Republished from The Fifth Chapter Blog, original date 7/11/11) Indeed, while we do not tend to associate our second childhood to such an early age these days, many begin to experience the higher element of “spirit self”. As we age, we can experience a greater awakening of spirit and freedom as we begin to let…

At the 2018 Legal Assistance for Seniors Conference on Elder Abuse this past month, I was honored to be selected to speak on a panel presentation about the issues surrounding a Conservatorship when the Conservatee is married. As you might imagine, this is a tricky scenario for both the professional fiduciary and family. Although, often,…