The following announcement is from The Faculty Lounge and was brought to my attention by Adam Hirsch: The University of Oregon School of Law is a dynamic ABA-accredited law school and Oregon’s only public law school. Degrees offered include Juris…
Probate & Estate Planning
The Admission of Remotely Witnessed Wills to Probate in New York
In 2021 and 2022, I wrote about Surrogate’s Court decisions that addressed the admission of remotely witnessed wills to probate in New York State. Since then, Surrogate’s Courts have issued at least two more decisions addressing the validity of remotely…
The Swedes know the secret to happiness: You are not your stuff
Dealing with a deceased loved one’s belongings can prove to be overwhelming for most due to the vast accumulation of items over the years. Many people have psychological attachment to their possessions making it difficult to let go. The author…
Formal vs. Informal Probate- What’s the difference?
If a loved one died recently, you may have found yourself in need of opening a probate. For many, this strikes fear into their hearts, or at the very least makes them groan in dissatisfaction. Probate is notorious for being…
Article: The Haunting of Wealth Law
Allison Tait (University of Richmond School of Law) recently published, The Haunting of Wealth Law, ACTEC Law Journal, VOLUME 49, Number 1, Fall 2023 (pub 1/24). Provided below is an Abstract: “If I am getting ready to speak at length…
Article: Estate Planning for the Apocalypse
Carla Spivack recently published, Estate Planning for the Apocalypse, ACTEC Law Journal, VOLUME 49, Number 1, Fall 2023 (pub 1/24). Provided below is an Introduction: Members of ACTEC and of the Section of Real Property, Trusts, and Estates work on…
Filling Vacancies on a Fire District Board
It Can Be More Complex Than You Expect
*Firehouse Legal blog posts provide information only, and are not legal advice. For specific legal advice contact your attorney. No seriously, contact them, they’ll be happy to hear from you.*
Vacancies on…
When a Neighbor Dies Unattended, How Should the Building Handle It?
In this “Ask Real Estate,” a reader asks about a situation stemming from two unattended deaths in a 60-unit co-op building in Brooklyn, New York. Six months later, the reader’s apartment remains affected by the smell. Despite a court order…
Toby Keith, one of country music’s biggest stars, dies at 62
Country music icon Toby Keith, known for chart-topping hits like “Red Solo Cup” and “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American),” has passed away at 62 after battling stomach cancer. His death, confirmed by his publicist and…
Reasons to Cancel Your Life Insurance Policy
People buy life insurance for various reasons-such as providing financial security for their loved ones, paying off debts, covering funeral costs or leaving a legacy. However, life insurance is not a one-size-fits-all product and there may be situations where canceling…