Who can bring an action in Fiduciary Litigation?

A common question in Fiduciary Litigation is who exactly can bring a lawsuit. In other words, who can be the Plaintiff or Petitioner? The legal question is whether or not an …

How Do I Protect My Generous, Impaired Grandparent?


Picture this: your beloved grandfather hands out cash gifts to his three grandchildren every year on their birthdays. Each grandchild receives $100 every year like clockwork. Then, one year, your grandfather gives your cousin $1,000. The next month, he again …

Five Common Questions About Estate Plans Answered


Estate planning can be confusing for many. It can be daunting to contemplate your own demise, but there are many reasons it is important to have an estate plan. An estate plan can prevent placing a larger burden on your …

Patricia Malley of Burns & Levinson


Patricia Malley of Burns & Levinson

Typically, when couples put together an estate plan, they do so jointly with a single attorney representing both spouses. It is more cost-efficient, allows for open discussion with all parties, and ensures there are no conflicts within the estate plan …

I've Been Asked To Be a Guardian. What Do I Do?


If you are asked to serve as guardian for either an incapacitated adult or a minor, there are several questions you should ask before accepting this fiduciary role. It is critical to understand what you are signing up for before …

My Stepmother Inherited Everything. What Can I Do?


Losing a parent is difficult. Beyond managing your personal and emotional wellbeing, you may need to settle their affairs and handle certain administrative tasks. But what do you do if your parent left everything to their partner – your stepparent …

Dying Without a Will — What’s the Worst that Can Happen?


It is very difficult for many of us to acknowledge that death is, eventually, a certainty for all of us. It’s a topic we’d like to avoid altogether, and it’s something we often avoid planning for because to plan for …

How Appointing a Power of Attorney Can Benefit Your Life


In general, estate planning benefits not only the principal’s life, but also the lives of their family members and agents. Prior planning includes wills, trusts, health care proxies, advanced health care directives and durable powers of attorney provide direction, guidelines, …