Estate and Trust Litigation
North Carolina’s civil court system is structured in a tiered manner, with each level handling different types of cases and complexities. Understanding this hierarchy is crucial for anyone involved in a civil dispute. The first tier, Small Claims Court, handles disputes involving amounts generally under $10,000. These cases are often simpler in nature, such as…
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Trade secrets are a vital component of many businesses, providing a competitive edge through unique processes, formulas, or information that are not publicly known. Misappropriation of trade secrets occurs when someone acquires, discloses, or uses a trade secret without the consent of the owner, often through improper means. Under North Carolina law, as well as…
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The intriguing case of Luigi Mangione highlights the intersection of criminal law and estate planning, particularly the use of conditional bequests in wills. Mary Mangione, Luigi’s grandmother, reportedly left a substantial inheritance to her descendants, with a stipulation that any grandchild who is “charged, indicted, convicted of or pleads guilty to a felony” would forfeit…
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In a significant legal setback, media mogul Rupert Murdoch has lost his bid to wrest control of his media empire away from his three younger children. A Nevada court ruled againstMurdoch’s attempt to grant his eldest son, Lachlan, sole voting power over the family trust, which oversees companies like Fox News and News Corp. The…
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Financial services litigation encompasses a broad range of legal disputes involving financial institutions, such as banks, investment firms, and insurance companies. These disputes often arise from complex transactions and regulatory compliance issues. For instance, financial services providers are subject to extensive state and federal regulations, which require a high level of education, skill, and judgment…
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A fiduciary duty is a legal obligation to act in the best interests of another person. This duty arises in relationships where one party trusts another to act with honesty and loyalty. These duties can arise by operation of law (de jure) or based on the facts and circumstances of a relationship (de facto). Common…
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Trust and estate litigation is a complex legal area concerned with disputes surrounding the management, administration, and distribution of assets. These disputes can arise from various issues, including the validity of a will, the interpretation of trust documents, or the actions of executors and trustees. Understanding the fundamental concepts is crucial for anyone involved in…
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The North Carolina Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act (UDTPA) is a powerful statute that is designed to protect consumers and businesses from unfair or deceptive acts, including false advertising, bait-and-switch tactics, and deceptive collection practices. To state a claim under the UDTPA, a plaintiff must allege three elements: The UDTPA allows for the recovery…
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The recent passing of iconic actor John Amos sparked a family feud over his will. His daughter, Shannon Amos, is alleging that her brother, K.C., and others colluded to manipulate their father’s estate. According to Shannon, John was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia in 2016, a condition that gradually impaired his cognitive abilities. She claims…
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In a surprising twist, a toy tycoon is suing an estate agent for allegedly concealing the identity of the buyer for his $79 million mansion. The seller, Leo Kryss, claims he would have demanded a higher price if he had known the buyer was none other than Jeff Bezos, the world’s second-richest person. The property,…
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