Conflicts between stepmothers and biological children over estate and trust assets have become a familiar feature of litigation in California superior courts. Only a certain proportion of these disputes make it to the legal arena, but they're part of a continuing trend that's worth noticing.
Alzheimers, Widowed Stepmothers & Estate Fraud | New Book Coming Soon
The year 2018 has been a busy one for Hackard Law - we've been heavily engaged in California estate and trust battles on behalf of our clients, we continue to fight elder exploitation, and every week we respond to the inquiries of dozens of callers from across the state and the country. They contact us because they've seen our videos, they need help, and maybe they just to be pointed in the right direction.
Can You Identify Early Signs & Symptoms of Alzheimer's? | Baby Boomers
It's estimated that 5.7 million Americans have Alzheimer's dementia in 2018. The Alzheimer's Association identifies a number of early signs and symptoms. They are worth reviewing. Now, for every one of these signs, there are typical age-related changes not attributable to Alzheimer's. It might be a matter of degree.
Empathy for Our Elderly | An Old Man's Poem
This weekend I was a presenter at San Francisco Assessor Carmen Chu's Family Wealth Workshop. The title of my presentation was "Protecting Against Elder Financial Abuse." I was able to share stories with the community and they in turn shared stories with me. I find this the most gratifying part of these events.
Watch Out for Estate Sale Fraud | WKYC Interview
Estate sales can be an emotionally wrenching, but sometimes necessary, step in moving forward after a loved one's passing. It's an unfortunate reality, however, that estate liquidation is also an opportunity for fraud and even elder financial abuse by wrongdoers.
Aretha Franklin | Trouble Ahead Without a Will
The world lost a great talent last month when Aretha Franklin, known as "The Queen of Soul" passed away from pancreatic cancer at the age of 76. In a remarkable career that spanned nearly 6 decades, Franklin was acclaimed for her hit songs, "Chain of Fools," "A Natural Woman," and "Respect."
John Seward Johnson | Disinheritance & Incapacity
Photo Credit: RD Warren
The name John Seward Johnson probably means very little to you, but you've certainly know the company that Johnson's father, Robert Wood Johnson, co-founded. That's right - Johnson & Johnson, the maker of baby products we've all used for generations.
Alzheimer's | Improving Diagnosis & Safeguarding Seniors
Alzheimer's disease affects Californians on an ever greater scale, and Baby Boomers are now at risk. According to the Alzheimer's Assocation, one in eight will develop Alzheimer's disease, while one in six will develop dementia. Stunningly, only half of Alzheimer's cases in America are diagnosed. That means half of all seniors suffering from Alzheimer's aren't getting the care and protection they deserve. Non-diagnosis multiplies the dangers a patient faces, from lack of proper medical treatment to vulnerability to elder financial abuse.
Peter Falk | Columbo's Estate Dispute
"Just one more thing..."
Alzheimer's & Elder Financial Abuse | Vulnerabilities
If you have an elderly loved one with Alzheimer's, you'll know how important it is to look after their safety. It's easy to worry. Maybe your parent or grandparent has left the stove on while cooking, unintentionally causing a fire hazard. Maybe they've wandered off in the neighborhood, only to be found and returned hours later by a good Samaritan. In the same way, a senior suffering from Alzheimer's, dementia or Lewy body dementia is especially vulnerable to elder financial abuse.
