Guardianship

Advocating Autonomy: Legal Experts Push for Guardianship Reform to Enhance Individual Rights and Support

Pieter Gunst04 mins

The American Bar Association (ABA) and various state bar associations are increasingly advocating for a shift away from traditional guardianship arrangements. These organizations are encouraging attorneys to consider less restrictive alternatives that prioritize the rights and autonomy of individuals who may require assistance in managing their affairs. This push reflects growing concerns about the potential…

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EU Court’s Article 2 Focus Strengthens Commitment to Core Values Amid Rising Tensions

Pieter Gunst05 mins

In recent years, the European Union’s Court of Justice has increasingly focused on safeguarding the foundational values enshrined in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU). This turn has generated significant legal and political discourse, emphasizing the pivotal role the Court plays in protecting democracy, the rule of law, and human rights within…

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Kyrgyzstan Urged to Enhance Protections and Justice for Disabled Women Amidst Widespread Abuse

Pieter Gunst03 mins

In a recent call to action, Human Rights Watch (HRW) urged Kyrgyzstan to implement effective safety measures and improve access to justice for women and girls with disabilities. New survey data highlighted the widespread psychological, physical, sexual, and economic abuse they face, compounded by significant barriers to justice and protection. Detailed insights from Human Rights…

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Delaware Court of Chancery: A Cornerstone in Corporate Litigation and Governance

Pieter Gunst04 mins

Delaware’s Court of Chancery continues to assert its significant role in corporate governance with recent developments underscoring its enduring importance in the business legal landscape. Last week provided a vivid example, as the court dealt with major high-value legal actions that highlight the ongoing relevance of post-deal stock appraisal suits. Despite previous efforts to curtail…

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Delaware Court of Chancery Expands Magistrate Bench to Address Growing Caseload

Pieter Gunst03 mins

The Delaware Court of Chancery has expanded its bench to seven magistrates with the recent appointment of Jessie R. Benavides. This marks the largest magistrate bench in the court’s history, reflecting its commitment to managing an increasing caseload effectively. Benavides brings a diverse background in civil litigation, including family law, estate matters, guardianships, and personal…

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Arkansas Legal Resource Website Launches to Empower Self-Represented Litigants with Cost-Effective Solutions

Pieter Gunst04 mins

In a notable development for self-represented litigants in Arkansas, a legal information website, ArkansasLegalNow (ALN), has been launched to assist individuals in navigating legal issues without the burden of exorbitant legal fees. The initiative is spearheaded by Brandon Haubert, a well-versed civil and family law attorney and the CEO of WH Law, based in Little…

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South Korea’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission Unveils Human Rights Violations in Intercountry Adoptions

Pieter Gunst04 mins

In a significant acknowledgment by the South Korean government, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission has revealed violations of fundamental human rights within its intercountry adoption processes. According to the commission’s findings, these violations occurred largely due to the absence of a comprehensive legislative framework, insufficient oversight, and non-compliance with administrative procedures. Over the past several…

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Social Media Influencer Faces Defamation Lawsuit Over Content on Substance Abuse Guardianship

Pieter Gunst01 mins

Brittany Courville, previously a Big Law associate, has found herself embroiled in a defamation suit after transitioning to a career as a social media influencer. Courville, who commands a notable presence on YouTube with 163,000 subscribers, often delves into discussions surrounding guardianships for individuals challenged by substance abuse issues. The legal conundrum arises from her…

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Tucker Arensberg Appoints DeNardo and Derby as Co-Chairs of Estates and Trusts Group

Pieter Gunst02 mins

Tucker Arensberg has announced the appointment of Doug DeNardo and Jennifer Bittel Derby as co-chairs of its estates and trusts group. The announcement, made on Monday, highlights the unique skill sets that each brings to the position. Doug DeNardo brings his expertise in advising individuals, families, and closely-held business owners on both tax and non-tax…

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New Zealand Recognizes Mount Taranaki with Legal Personhood: A Landmark for Maori Cultural Preservation

Pieter Gunst03 mins

New Zealand has recently enacted legislation that confers legal personhood on Mount Taranaki, marking a significant development in recognizing the cultural importance of natural features to the Māori iwi. This legal recognition ensures that Mount Taranaki is bestowed with rights and responsibilities akin to those of an individual, acknowledging its status as an ancestral figure…

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Lathrop GPM Expands Trust and Estate Litigation Team with Strategic Hiring of Matthew Rossiter

Pieter Gunst02 mins

Matthew Rossiter has joined Lathrop GPM as a partner in their private client services practice group and trust and estate litigation team, based in St. Louis. His expertise will be a key asset to the firm’s expanding trust and estate litigation practice. Rossiter’s professional background encompasses a wide array of services, as he represents trustees,…

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Morocco Overhauls Family Law with Sweeping Reforms to Enhance Women’s Rights

Pieter Gunst04 mins

In a significant development, Morocco has introduced extensive reforms to its family law, marking the first comprehensive review of the Moroccan Family Code in two decades. Unveiled by the country’s justice and Islamic affairs ministers, these reforms are aimed at expanding women’s rights, particularly in areas of child custody, guardianship, and polygamous marriages. Among the…

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New Jersey Supreme Court Rules Against Fee Entitlements for Attorneys in Guardianship Cases

Pieter Gunst02 mins

In a significant development impacting legal practitioners in New Jersey, the state’s Supreme Court has ruled that attorneys appointed to defend residents at risk of state-imposed guardianships are not entitled to fees for extraordinary work. This decision, delivered in a unanimous opinion, highlights that, despite the comprehensive efforts required—such as drafting briefs, making calls, and…

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Katherine Oswald Joins Burke, Warren, MacKay & Serritella as Partner in Chicago Office

Pieter Gunst01 mins

Katherine Oswald has been appointed as a partner at Burke, Warren, MacKay & Serritella, joining the firm’s Chicago branch. Her role will encompass contributions across the wealth and succession planning, trust and estate litigation, and tax advisory services sectors. Oswald’s practice is distinguished by a focus on estate planning, as well as the administration and…

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Massachusetts Governor Appoints Three Judges to Strengthen Probate and Family Court System

Pieter Gunst01 mins

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has nominated three candidates for positions within the state’s Probate and Family Court. This court is crucial in managing cases related to divorce, child custody, guardianship, and estate matters. This nomination announcement, made on Wednesday, underscores the importance of these judicial roles in addressing sensitive and complex family law issues. Further…

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Russia Bans Adoption by Citizens of Countries Permitting Gender Reassignment

Pieter Gunst02 mins

In a significant move reflecting its conservative stance on gender issues, the Russian State Duma has adopted a bill that prohibits the adoption of Russian children by citizens from countries where gender reassignment is legal. This legislation, passed with overwhelming support, underscores the country’s commitment to maintaining “traditional values” as expressed by Vyacheslav Volodin, the…

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Ohio Supreme Court Reprimands Judge for Inappropriate Public Commentary on Guardianship Case

Pieter Gunst01 mins

The Ohio Supreme Court has issued a public reprimand to a probate court judge following actions concerning a contentious guardianship case. The judge faced censure for permitting staff to disseminate inaccurate information to the press and for engaging in public commentary on the court’s Facebook page. Notably, the judge’s online posts included unsubstantiated allegations of…

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Guardianship Responsibilities and Federal Jurisdiction: The Second Circuit’s Pivotal Decision

Pieter Gunst02 mins

Legal defense attorneys who were previously absolved of wrongdoing in the judicial proceedings concerning the death of esteemed psychiatry professor, Judith Brook, have made an appeal this week. They beseeched the Second Circuit to uphold a lesser court’s ruling which established that temporary guardians, such as themselves, are not considered state actors within the purview…

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Saudi Arabia’s Controversial Election to Chair UN’s Commission on the Status of Women Sparks Debate

Pieter Gunst04 mins

In an unexpected development, Saudi Arabia has been elected to chair the UN’s Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). The appointment was sealed by ‘acclamation’ after an unchallenged bid and no opposition, leading to an uproar among human rights groups. This appointment prompts Saudi UN Ambassador Abdulaziz Alwasil to assume a leading position in…

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