Miranda Perry Fleischer (University of San Diego School of Law) recently published, Death and Taxes: A Libertarian Reappraisal, Social Philosophy and Policy, Vol. 39, No. 1 (2022). Provided below is an Abstract: Imagine two friends. Anna inherits nothing and works…
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Can we really live forever?
Humans have long been on a quest to find anti-aging remedies. Ancient civilizations pursued eternal youth, and modern society shares this same goal, hoping to suceed through scientific efforts. The field of gerontology, which focuses on studying aging, has undergone…
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Charitable Giving Is Expected to Rise 4.2% This Year, Report Says
The Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy projects a 4.2% increase in charitable giving in the U.S. for this year, followed by a 3.9% increase in 2025. These rises exceed the average growth rate of giving since 2005 and…
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Pennsylvania lawmakers push to find out causes of death for older adults in abuse or neglect cases
Lawmakers in Pennsylvania are urging Governor Josh Shapiro’s administration to take more action in investigating the deaths of older adults following reports of abuse or neglect. There has been a significant increase in such deaths since 2019, prompting concerns from…
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Article: The Viability of Inserting Descriptive Photos in Wills: A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words
Gerry W. Beyer and Scout S. Blosser (Texas Tech University School of Law) recently published, The Viability of Inserting Descriptive Photos in Wills: A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, ABA Probate & Property, March/April 2024. Provided below is an…
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Widow, 96, preparing to celebrate her birthday was killed in alleged murder-for-hire plot at her home
In 2022, 96-year-old widow Violet Evelyn Alberts was tragically killed at her Montecito, California home in an alleged murder-for-hire plot, revealing a complex scheme of financial exploitation. Authorities discovered Alberts dead in her bed on May 27, 2022, with evidence…
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KATHERINE JACKSON RECEIVED OVER $55M SINCE MJ’S DEATH … So Claims His Estate
Since Michael Jackson died in 2009, his mother, Katherine Jackson, has reportedly accumulated a significant fortune, totaling over $55 million, according to claims made by MJ’s estate. The estate asserts that Katherine receives a monthly allowance exceeding $160,000 and other…
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Should intestate shares be created for charities rather than relatives?
Adam Hirsch (Napoleon Jones Professor of Law and Herzog Endowed Scholar, University of San Diego School of Law) has recently posted on SSRN his article entitled Beyond Privity of Blood: Intestacy and Charity. Here is the abstract of his article:…
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Request for Proposals — ACTEC Foundation 2025-2026 Academic Symposium
The Legal Education Committee of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) requests proposals for a $20,000 grant to host an academic symposium on trust and estate law during the 2025-2026 academic year. The ACTEC Foundation Symposium is…
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Imposters prey on families preparing for the funeral of a loved one
A scam has surfaced, targeting mourning individuals by impersonating funeral home representatives. Perpetrators falsely claim that unless additional funds are promptly provided, the funeral arrangements will be canceled. To safeguard against this malicious tactic, it is essential to adhere to…
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Woman who says she found her father on 23andMe sues after learning of wrongful death settlement
Carmen Thomas, a 26-year-old woman from Lexington, Massachusetts, filed a lawsuit against her half-sisters and their mother, alleging she was excluded from a wrongful death settlement involving their father. Thomas discovered her father’s identity through a DNA test with 23andMe,…
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I became a millionaire at age 27—here are 4 ‘unpopular’ rules rich people follow that most don’t
Vivian Tu recounts how her upbringing in a frugal household contrasted with the mindset of the ultra-wealthy she encountered on the job on Wall Street. She learned key principles that led to financial success, including prioritizing assets over liabilities, adopting…
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Philip Marlowe perfume, anyone? Raymond Chandler’s estate revives its hero, for better or worse
The Philip Marlowe character, created by Raymond Chandler, has evolved through modern adaptations and continuations commissioned by the Chandler Estate. Joe Ide was aked by the estate to write an original novel featuring Marlowe in the present day, resulting in…
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A New Book Fills In the Human Stories Behind Unmarked Graves
“The Unclaimed: Abandonment and Hope in the City of Angels” by Pamela Prickett and Stefan Timmermans explores the bureaucracy and mechanics surrounding unclaimed deceased individuals, particularly in Los Angeles. The authors delve into the lives of four specific individuals who…
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My Wife Plans to End Her Life. Should I Tell My Very Religious Father?
In this week’s The Ethicist, an anonymous writer is grappling with the imminent assisted suicide of their wife due to her severe multiple sclerosis. They have begun the challenging process of informing friends and family about the decision, which has…
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Brian Wilson’s Family Seeks Conservatorship for Beach Boys Legend Following Death of His Wife
The family of Brian Wilson, co-founder of The Beach Boys, has filed for a conservatorship due to his major neurocognitive disorder, possibly dementia, following the death of his wife, Melinda. The filing aims to ensure Wilson’s well-being and home care…
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