As a career litigator, I have learned that resolving legal
disputes – often within families and family businesses
– always requires attention to the relational dynamics; the
versions of history, the co-dependencies, the tantrums,
manipulations and power-plays, as well as the bonds, deep loves and
kindnesses. We are at our best and worst when our legal rights are
in play.
There is an increase in cases involving aged persons in varying
stages of frailty, being manipulated or deceived, or just worn
down, into making decisions that strip away their dignity,
independence or financial status. Or it might be that the
disastrous financial decision isn't theirs at all – it is
made by, and for the benefit of, a relative or friend to whom they
have entrusted everything and on whom they utterly depend.
