By Kathy Cooper

Recently, I came across an article about outrageous lawsuits that made me think about why we all might want to have Legacy Trusts for our kids.  I should mention that Thom and I have them for our two girls and here’s the reason: People sue -  and sometimes win – ridiculous lawsuits.  Just to name a couple from the article:

• The kids who sued their mom for “bad mothering” because they received empty birthday cards
• The photographer who was sued by an man, already divorced, who never received the last 15 minutes of video from his wedding

The list goes on.  Of course we all remember the lady who sued McDonald’s when she spilled hot coffee on her lap.

Legacy Trusts are not for everyone, and you need some good elder law advice to determine if they are right for your kids.  One of the powerful features about these trusts is that they can protect the inheritance you leave for your children from this type of pernicious lawsuit.  

Read the article here: The 5 Most Outrageous Lawsuits of 2011.  Call us at Cooper, Adel and Associates if you want to discuss how to protect your family from the crazies!

(FYI – Here’s the article …)

The 5 Most Outrageous Lawsuits of 2011

By Cynthia Hsu on January 5, 2012 6:02 AM 

Americans are litigious. We certainly like to enforce our legal rights. We also like to make sure somebody pays up when they wrong us. Some of the most outrageous lawsuits of 2011 include sex, crime, and flying body parts.

Below is our compilation list of FindLaw's top 5 weirdest — and wonkiest — lawsuits to hit the news:

5. Tourist Sues Hooker for Leaving ½ Hour Early

College student Hubert Blackman was in Las Vegas. He decided to party it up by ordering a "stripper" from Las Vegas Exclusive Personals. The stripper came, gave him a lap dance, and performed a sex act on Blackman. She also left a half an hour early. Blackman then sued the company for a $275 refund and $1.8 million for the "tragic events" that took place.

4. 'Bad Mothering' Lawsuit: Kids Sued Mom over Empty B-Day Card

Attorney Steven A. Miner helped his kids file a lawsuit against his ex-wife for being a "bad mother." The kids said that they were subjected to empty birthday cards, clothing budgets, seat belts, and their mother's "forgetfulness."

3. Man Sues to Recreate Wedding Photos of Failed Marriage

New Yorker Todd Remis sued his wedding photographer for missing out on the last fifteen minutes of his nuptials. He sought damages to recreate his wedding. The kicker: he was already divorced. He also didn't know where his ex lived.

2. Man Killed by Train is Sued: Flying Body Parts Injured Woman

Illinois woman Gayane Zokhrabov filed suit against the estate of a deceased man. The deceased 18-year-old had died after getting hit by a train. After he was hit, parts of his body went flying — injuring Zokhrabov. She sued over her injuries.

1. Kidnapper Sues Hostages for Breaching 'Contract' to Hide Him

The most outrageous and strangest lawsuit to come out of 2011 might be this one. A convicted kidnapper in Colorado sued his former hostages for breaching an oral contract to hide him when he was a fugitive. He sought damages to compensate him for injuries incurred during his arrest.

Below is an article by a colleague of mine, Elder Law Attorney Michael Ettinger, in which he describes a new trend among seniors to live together without being married.  While Mike is from New York with an upscale practice,  I am also beginning to see an increase of “Friends with Benefits” in my practice in Ohio.  I think we could all bemoan the positive and negative incentives of government policies, regulations and laws which I believe are responsible for the trend,  but now we are forced with having to deal with the  “legal unintended consequences” of  more and more our seniors living in this arrangement in order to attempt to preserve and protect their assets and those of their families.

Let me give just one example of these “legal unintended consequences:”

One of the main reasons that seniors do not get married is that they are worried about losing their homes should their partner go into a nursing home.  So what typically happens is that one of the senior partners keeps their home in their name and the other partner moves in and often sells their home.  All is OK if the senior without the home goes into a nursing home… but what if the partner who owns the home goes in?  At that point the home would have to be sold and the remaining at-home partner would be  “on the street”… a situation which neither partner might want after a long relationship.  Can this situation be avoided?  Of course it can with proper planning.  But this just underscores the point that it is even more important for Friends with Benefits to plan than a married couple.  If you are in this situation please see an elder law attorney to help you develop your plan.

More Elderly Couples Choose Cohabitation without Marriage

by

Attorney Michael Ettinger

It’s a quiet fact of senior residences across the country: Grandpa is living with someone else’s Grandma. In their 70s, 80s, and beyond, older couples meet in seniors-only housing and live together unencumbered by marriage vows. Their relationships are committed and bonded, meant to last the rest of their lives, sometimes even informally blessed by clergy.

According to U.S. census figures, co-habitation numbers for people 65 and older have tripled in the past decade, jumping from 193,000 in 2000 to 575,000 in 2010. A generation or two ago, the idea of older adults living together might have been shameful, even scandalous. That’s changed, in part because societal attitudes toward marriage have changed. Only 52 percent of all American adults identified themselves as married in the 2010 census – and almost 60 percent of people age 50 and younger have lived with a partner without being married, the Pew Research Center says. As a result, as the baby boom generation edges into old age, researchers expect co-habitation among seniors to continue to soar.

As you grow older, you may decide to change the beneficiaries of your will or trust.  You may decide that a particular child is helping you more than others.  You may feel that your caregiver is more sensitive than your family and therefore deserves a part or all of your fortune.  You may find that your second wife is the real love of your life and you want her to have everything.  These are not necessarily bad or unusual reasons to change your will or trust, but you may run into some problems with your family if you do.

Think about the case of Mr. Du Pont who changed his will three months before his death. According to philly.com, his niece and nephew are challenging his will because they say he did not have the capacity to make that change.  According to this article, Mr. Du Pont, on various occasions, believed that he was the Dalai Lama, Jesus Christ and a Russian czar.  If these allegations are true, it’s not hard to believe that there was about whether he had the mental capacity to make that change – but what is the truth?  The courts are left to decide because Mr. Du Pont’s capacity to make the will at the time he made that change was not established.

Think about your situation, you’re not having problems like Mr. Du Pont – you’re still with it, you know who you are and where you are, so why worry if you decide to change your beneficiaries to recognize the kindness of a friend or the love of a new partner?  The worry is that your biological heirs and/or their spouses may have a different plan for your assets and they could challenge your wishes after your gone.  They might say that you did not have the “capacity” to change your will or trust.  It may be appropriate to ask an attorney to conduct a capacity evaluation to establish, to the greatest extent possible, that you are “of sound mind” to make the change. Interestingly, having the capacity to make a will or trust is not a medical issue, but rather it is a legal issue.

Consider having a capacity evaluation if you are changing beneficiaries from your biological heirs to others who are not related.  An elder law attorney can tell you if a capacity evaluation is appropriate in your situation.  An elder law attorney can provide this evaluation also help you understand the impact of your decision on your estate and nursing home planning.  Call our office for a free consultation about your specific situation.

OK, let’s all admit that we know a few mean people that surround us, right?  Well, if you are rich and famous and you knew Leona Helmsley, you may have considered her mean. She was referred to as “the Queen of Mean” from all of those who knew and “loved” her.  If you are unfamiliar with Leona, she and her husband, Harry, were well known as real estate developers and hoteliers.  Leona was known for being mean to staff.  It seems like everyone she ran into and also in the later years of her life was convicted of tax evasion and spent years in prison.

But with everything that she did to her friends and staff, no one would have expected what she did in her final days while writing her Trust and Will.  Everyone talked after Leona passed away on August 20, 2007 at age 87 when contents of her Trust and Will were revealed.

Bottom line is that Leona’s dog, Trouble, will continue to live an opulent life because Helmsley left her beloved white Maltese $12 million.  She also left millions to her brother, Alvin Rosenthal, who was named to care for Trouble in her absence, as well as two of four grandchildren from her late son, Jay Panzirer, so long as they visit their father’s grave site once each calendar year.  Otherwise, she wrote, neither will get a penny of the $5 million she left for them.  Helmsley left nothing to two of Jay’s other children “for reasons that are known to them,” she wrote.

But no on made out better than Trouble, who once appeared in ads for the Helmsley Hotels, and lived up to her name by biting a housekeeper.

So, I think this is a prime example that while you are living, YOU are in charge of who or what gets a portion of your Estate.  That may not be so true after you are gone.  So please make sure you are taking care of your affairs and you make the decisions of where your estate goes after you are gone.

Call for a free consultation with Attorney Cooper at 1-800-798-5297 to make sure your estate isn’t “left to the dogs”.

Until next time, keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars!

While the myth that Ellen Naomi Cohen, a.k.a. Mama Cass, of the 1960′s rock group The Mamas & The Papas, choked to death on a piece of ham was disproved years ago; the less popular rumor that she died bankrupt and intestate has only recently been disputed.

Approximately 35 years after her death, it has been discovered she made out a Last Will & Testament.  The law firm of Mitchell, Silberberg & Knupp prepared a Will for Ms. Cohen in 1967, but the advised the Singer’s family in 1974, when she died, that no Will could be located. Her assets were then distributed entirely to her daughter, in accordance with California laws of intestacy.

The beneficiaries are suing Mama Cass’s estate-planning attorneys for concealing the Wills existence, under theories of malpractice, negligent misrepresentation, and fraud. They also allege that the law firm had a conflict of interest because it represented both Mama Cass and her creditors at the same time. Further, they also represented the proposed guardian for the seven year old daughter that Ms. Cohen left behind. The Will that was later discovered left one-third of the estate to Ms. Cohen’s Mother and the rest to her daughter. Ms. Cohen’s Mother has since died and her children would have stood to inherit under the will. Mama Cass’s brother and sister are the plaintiff’s bringing the law suit in this action.

Ironically, the estate was insolvent when Mama Cass died. However, after her death the royalties paid to her estate have been substantial.

To learn how these and other estate planning errors can be avoided contact the professionals at the Thom L. Cooper Company today!

Our Law Firm recently won an important Ohio appeals case on behalf of one of its clients.  The outcome of this case has the potential to help our clients in a situation where a spouse is going into a nursing home.

In May 2008, our client, Paul was admitted to a nursing home, while his wife, Betty, remained in the community. In July 2008, Betty purchased an annuity for $14,562.55 to produce a monthly income for her benefit. In August 2008, Paul applied for Medicaid benefits and was found eligible. However, the County imposed a two and a half month penalty, claiming Betty’s annuity purchase constituted an improper transfer of resources made for the purpose of qualifying for Medicaid. Our law firm disagreed.

The Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas ruled in our client’s favor.  The Court held that it was a violation of Federal law for a properly-structured annuity purchase to be treated as an improper transfer. The State of Ohio then appealed the Court of Common Pleas decision to the Ohio First District Court of Appeals. The Court of Appeals reaffirmed the trial court’s finding.

Basically, the courts found that a spouse of a Medicaid recipient can turn a portion of their assets into income without creating a penalty. This is great news for our clients because they will be able to save a larger portion of their assets when their spouse enters a nursing home. However, this is not something you should try without qualified legal advice since the rules are complicated.  It is unlikely your insurance agent or financial planner will know about these rules.

For more information, contact our office at 800-798-5297

A timeshare is essentially the purchase of a period of time for a vacation. Timeshare owners receive a legal deed to property, but don’t actually own a particular room or suite. You own the right to use the property for a certain time period, usually a week. The period of time varies widely as does the place and lodging. Timeshares have grown to include resorts, condos, houses, castles, RVs, yachts, and even trains. Almost all timeshares are resort or vacation properties.

One of the main money traps in timeshare ownership is the maintenance fee. During the first few years of ownership, maintenance fees may be fairly low. The average cost of maintenance fees in the US is $800 per year.

There are other costs to consider as well, such as travel to that far away spot, financing, cost of exchanges and points to upgrade your accommodations, taxes and surcharges, not to mention the loss of income you could have if your money wasn’t tied up in the timeshare. Adding the additional yearly costs into the equation could easily total $2,500.00 or more per year. One thing is certain; a timeshare owner will continue to pay for the use of a timeshare, year after year. Owning a timeshare is like being married; it’s a lifelong commitment, that money is spent. If you don’t like owning a timeshare, divorce is difficult and costly. Resale value is low and true timeshare dumps are almost impossible to find.

Now consider a Timeshare Inheritance. Your parents kicked up their heels in Branson, had a lovely time at Dollywood, and thoroughly enjoyed the snorkeling in Aruba. What can you do if you inherit a timeshare that you can’t afford or don’t want?

Few people realize that when you are bequeathed an inheritance, you have the choice of acceptance or not. You can choose to refuse or disclaim an inheritance. In the case of timeshare property, this is a viable alternative to inheriting something you don’t want or can’t use.

If you inherit a timeshare, it’s important to examine all of your options. Do some research into what owning a timeshare involves and make an educated decision whether it is something you want or can use. Don’t end up bearing the burden of an unwanted timeshare until you can bequeath it to someone else.

When you choose to refuse an inheritance there are several qualifications that have to be met. You must file your Disclaimer of Interest within a certain period of time and can’t have all ready accepted your bequest or used it an any way to benefit yourself. You have no say as to what happens to it, and you cannot change your mind.

A qualified elder law attorney can help through the process of considering your options and following-up on your decision. Give your office a call if we can help.

Our Firm’s mission statement is: “The Thom L. Cooper Co. is dedicated to building a continuing relationship with each senior client: to protect their wealth from the devastating costs of a catastrophic healthcare situation; to conserve their wealth for their use during their lifetime; to shelter their wealth from unnecessary legal expense or taxes; and to assure that their wealth is transferred to their heirs with minimal cost or delay.”

I love it when a plan comes together!

Case Study: A Husband and Wife came to us in 1999 to develop an estate plan, both were healthy and living on the family farm. Over the years as their health deteriorated, both ended up in a nursing home. The good news is, with the help of their children, they continued to update their plan to protect the farm and other cash assets for their children. As a result of their ongoing planning, Mom’s nursing home bill was paid by the State of Ohio, Dad’s bill was covered by his long-term care insurance, and the children inherited a total estate of $802,000. Even better, after the death of the second spouse, the estate was approved for the Qualified Farm Use Election and the children saved $24,496 in Ohio Estate Tax while inheriting the farm at current market value.

Want to find out how to make your plan come together? Call us at Cooper Law Firm.

Prepare yourself for groundbreaking news: Lady Gaga has more friends on Facebook than you do! In fact, she has more Facebook friends than any other living person. She has more than 10 million friends. Regardless of his death one year ago, Michael Jackson currently has more Facebook friends than Lady Gaga; And many other dead celebrities aren’t doing too bad either. Let’s take a look at the late Gary Coleman; whose estate has recently made headlines.

Gary Coleman’s Estate

Gary Coleman was a child who starred in the TV sitcom Diff’rent Strokes between 1978 and 1986. He grew to hate his catch phrase “Whatchu talkin’ ’bout Willis?”even though it made him millions.

Gary Coleman was paid as much as $100,000 per episode but had financial difficulties later in life. After funds went to his parents, agents, lawyers, and taxes, only a quarter of his earnings may have reached him. After the mismanagement of his Trust by his parents Coleman was forced to declare bankruptcy.

Coleman made appearances, married and divorced, attempted suicide, had kidney transplants, worked as a security guard, was prosecuted for punching a woman who mocked him, collected model trains, and ran for Governor of California in 2003 and placed relatively high in the rankings.

Tragically, Coleman died earlier this year after suffering from a head injury. Three people are in the running to be the special administrator of Coleman’s estate. One is his ex-wife, another is his former girlfriend, and a third is his former manager. Manager Dion Mial relies on a 1999 last will and testament that names him as executor. Former girlfriend Anna Gray relies on a 2005 will. Ex-wife and alleged surviving common law spouse, Shannon Price, filed a 2007 codicil that purports to amend all prior wills. She is hoping to locate a subsequent will naming her as executor.

Logically, the 2005 will would revoke the 1999 will. A handwritten note from 2007 would not have significant legal effect, unless it was executed with all the will formalities, such as witnesses and notaries. But it could be used to show his intent to revoke the 2005 will and may be accepted as a holographic will in some jurisdictions.

Getting married in 2007 could also cast doubt on earlier wills. However, Shannon Price and Mr. Coleman were divorced at the time of his death. Her basis for inheritance rests on her allegation that they reconciled and formed a new relationship after they were divorced. Court documents indicate that the two lived together, shared bank accounts, and held themselves out to the world as married, even after the divorce. Price was also Coleman’s agent in his advanced health care directive, and she gave the order to take Coleman off of life support. At the time of his death, Coleman was living with his ex-wife, Shannon Price, and his death certificate indicates that he was married.

Is this an estate worth fighting over? Remember, he declared bankruptcy in 1990? The answer depends upon the value and size of his estate both at and after death. There is still marketing to be done, book deals to be made, movie rights, and sales of memorabilia to be had. He had a home, a pension, and residual rights. To show the value of such media attention, Price is reported to have photographed Coleman on his deathbed and then sold the photos to the tabloids.

Final Thoughts

Sound estate planning can involve sophisticated plans that protect assets from creditors and predators, avoid unnecessary taxation, and build assets over generations. But there is also something to be said for a simple document that names executors or trustees and distributes your assets according to your wishes. It can avoid years of litigation and family turmoil. Large or small, we all need an estate plan contact the Attorneys at the Thom L. Cooper Company to set up an appointment today.