Charlotte
Conservatorships (in North Carolina they are known as guardianships) are meant to protect individuals who are unable to manage their own affairs, but the system is far from perfect. Over 1.3 million adults in the U.S. are under conservatorship, controlling a staggering $50 billion in assets. While these legal arrangements are often necessary for individuals…
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A recent high-profile case highlights the critical role conservatorships play in protecting individuals who are no longer capable of managing their affairs. According to a Forbes article, Forrest Preston, the 91-year-old founder of Life Care Centers of America (LCCA), lost control of his $3 billion nursing home empire after a Tennessee court deemed him mentally…
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Estate litigation often involves complex disputes where attorneys who drafted estate documents may be called to testify. Whether it’s to explain the intent behind a will’s provisions or clarify the circumstances of its creation, lawyers play a critical role in resolving these disputes. The North Carolina State Bar’s 2024 Formal Ethics Opinion 3 outlines important…
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Each February, Black History Month serves as a time to honor the achievements, resilience, and contributions of Black Americans throughout history. Charlotte, a city rich with cultural heritage and historical significance, has played a crucial role in the fight for civil rights and legal progress. From landmark protests to groundbreaking legal battles, the Queen City…
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Meeting with a lawyer for the first time can feel overwhelming, but being prepared can help you make the most of your consultation. Whether you need guidance on a trust and estate matter, fiduciary litigation, or a shareholder dispute, the right preparation can ensure a productive and efficient meeting. Here’s how to get started: 1.…
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Imagine finding your dream home, only to discover a legal cloud hanging over it. This cloud could be a lis pendens, a Latin term meaning “suit pending.” It’s a formal notice filed in public land records that alerts potential buyers and lenders of a lawsuit involving the property’s ownership or rights. A lis pendens provides…
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Legendary musician Brian Wilson, co-founder of the Beach Boys, was recently placed under a conservatorship by a Los Angeles court. This decision comes more than three months after the passing of his wife Melinda, who served as his primary caregiver. Following Melinda’s death, the responsibility of caring for Brian has fallen on his longtime publicist…
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Many Americans face uncertainty about handling a loved one’s bank account after death. Almost half of Americans don’t have a will, according to a Gallup poll. This can make things complicated for your loved ones when you’re gone. Having a will allows you to designate who inherits your assets, including your bank accounts. Many bank…
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NFTs—or non-fungible tokens—have been making headlines in recent months as the newest investment craze. “At a very high level, most NFTs are part of the Ethereum blockchain. Ethereum is a cryptocurrency, like bitcoin or dogecoin, but its blockchain also supports these NFTs, which store extra information that makes them work differently from, say, an ETH…
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Foremost, if you haven’t seen Netflix’s seven-part, true crime documentary series “Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness”, do yourself a quarantine favor and watch it now. Joseph Maldonado-Passage f/k/a Joe Schreibvogel a/k/a Joe Exotic is a former big cat breeder and roadside zoo owner who is currently serving a 22-year prison sentence for two counts of…
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