The Pitfalls and Perils of Pro Se Representation By Jared R. Mack “He who represents himself has a fool for a client” is a quote often attributed to Abraham Lincoln. However, the true origins of the proverb are unknown.  Although the author of the quote may be uncertain, the sentiment has never been more relevant.  The modern judicial system is a chaotic commingling of statutes, regulations, case law and procedures, all of which can prove fatal to the unwary party’s [...]

What Happens If You Die Without a Will? We all know we are supposed to do estate planning, but not all of us get around to it. So what happens if you don't have a Will when you die? Your estate will be distributed according to state laws, which may or may not be the way you want it to be distributed. Dying without a Will is called dying "intestate." Each state has laws that determine what will happen to your estate if you don't have a Will. If you are married, most states award one-third to [...]

What Happens If You Die Without a Will? We all know we are supposed to do estate planning, but not all of us get around to it. So what happens if you don't have a Will when you die? Your estate will be distributed according to state laws, which may or may not be the way you want it to be distributed. Dying without a Will is called dying "intestate." Each state has laws that determine what will happen to your estate if you don't have a Will. If you are married, most states award one-third to [...]

Pet Custody: Who gets Fido? By:  Elizabeth A. Sopinski A pet is one of the most cherished gifts of life.  After a long day at work, your dog greets you with lots of love and a wagging tail when you get home.  A pet provides companionship and unconditional love.  Perhaps when you are going through a separation or divorce, your pet provides you with the comfort of which you are so much in need.  But what happens when your ex-spouse loves Fido as much as you do?  [...]

Be Careful About Putting Only One Spouse's Name on a Reverse Mortgage A recent case involving basketball star Caldwell Jones demonstrates the danger in having only one spouse's name on a reverse mortgage. A federal appeals court has ruled that an insurance company may foreclose on a reverse mortgage after the death of the borrower, Mr. Jones, even though Mr. Jones’ widow is still living in the house. While there are protections in place for non-borrowing spouses, many spouses are still [...]