Oct

27

Grieving Loved Ones at War Over a Pension

Posted by: Judith G. McMullen | October 27, 2008 | Leave a Comment

It is sad when a family member dies, and even sadder when the aftermath of the death brings feuding and court actions between loved ones.  The parents and fiancée of Kevin Prior, a firefighter killed in the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center, are embroiled in such a dispute over the $37,600 a year [...]

Oct

8

“Elderspeak”: Guarding Against Condescension Towards Our Clients

Posted by: Judith G. McMullen | October 8, 2008 | 2 Comments

Yesterday’s New York Times had an article discussing the phenomenon of “Elderspeak,” defined as the belittling, condescending, and falsely nice and cheerful way many people talk when they are addressing older adults.  The pattern is easily recognizable to anyone who has every accompanied a gray-haired relative on any errand or to an appointment: quick use of [...]

Oct

1

Suicide and Inheritance: A New Ruling by the Wisconsin Court of Appeals

Posted by: Judith G. McMullen | October 1, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Last week, the Fourth District Court of Appeals in Wisconsin ruled on a case involving a testator (Edward Schunk) who committed suicide and the inheritance rights of the family who survived him. Apparently, Edward was on a one-day pass from a hospital when he was found dead in a cabin which he owned. The death resulted from [...]