Elder Law FAX Blog

Decedent's Attempted Debt Forgiveness Failed to Comply with the Doctrine of Gifts Causa Mortis

Although he clearly intended to forgive almost $300,000 in debts owed to him, the decedent didn't get his Will signed before his death. As a result, his family members owe the money.

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Georgia Supreme Court Strikes Down State’s Assisted-Suicide Law

In a unanimous decision issued today, the Georgia Supreme Court has struck down a 1994 state law that makes helping a person commit suicide a felony. At issue was whether the law was a violation of the free-speech clauses of the United States and Georgia constitutions.

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"The Court finds he's a thief" Lessons in how not to be an attorney-in-fact and personal representative of an estate (and when not to appeal)

Calling him a "thief," a Tennessee trial judge's $2 million judgment against the son of two of two deceased parents in an action brought against by his siblings for breach of fiduciary duty has been affirmed by a Tennessee appeals court.

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End of an Era: Feds Discontinue Sale of Paper Savings Bonds

For some families, it was a ritual: when Dad brought home his paycheck, he and Mom purchased a U. S. savings bond at the bank. That bond stayed at the bank, in the safe deposit box, sometimes for decades. For others, purchasing a U. S. savings bond was a patriotic duty: that was money invested in the United States, and years later, it was returned, with interest.

Not any more. Or, in any event, beginning on January 1, 2012, the United States Treasury Department and its Bureau of the Public debt will no longer sell paper savings bonds.

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Tim Takacs answers viewers' elder law questions on OpenLine

Certified Elder Law Attorney Timothy L. Takacs is a regular guest on MorningLine and OpenLine, two popular viewer call-in programs on Nashville's Channel 5+. He answers viewer questions about finding, paying and coordinating the care of elderly and disabled loved ones.

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