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Financial Elder Abuse: What is It and What to Look For By Melinda Gustafson Gervasi March 14, 2025 Waiting for the A line on the BRT Once a month I bus to downtown Madison, WI for a Legal Association for Women luncheon.  Over a lovely meal at Copper’s Tavern the group listens to a guest speaker, fulfilling our requirement to complete 30 hours of continued legal education every two years.  I enjoy my Sweet Corn Salad with Chicken (yes, I get the same meal every month) while a speaker expands my knowledge on subjects outside my area of focus.  This past week the speaker was preaching to the choir; as an estate planning and probate attorney I have a front row seat to the growing concerns related to elder financial abuse.   What is elder financial abuse? It involves the illegal or improper use of an older adult's funds, property, or assets. It can range from simple theft to complex schemes involving power of attorney. A power of attorney is a legal document that g...

And The Academy Award Goes To…..Estate Planning Nightmares By Melinda Gustafson Gervasi March 7, 2025 Sunday dinner was prepared far earlier than normal, a fact that did not slip passed my always hungry teenagers.  March 2nd marked the 97th annual Academy Awards , and even though I had not watched a single nominated film this year, I was determined to keep my tradition of watching the big show.  Dinner was ready early, and I settled into my favorite chair by 6pm to enjoy the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.   Brush with a Start: Author (Melinda) with LeVar Burton and her spouse, a huge Star Trek Fan  Unlike prior years, the crop of films being recognized this year do not appear to delve into the nitty gritty complexity of family tensions in estate planning. However, several Oscar winning films of the recent past do just that – reflecting the real-life complexities of families and inheritances.  Family tensions, long-buried resentments, and unexpected inherit...