Patient Choices Vermont’s Post

“Honest, timely conversations about death and dying are essential to good end of life care. Yet all too often barriers, including lack of confidence, taboos around discussing death, and confusion about who should be having these conversations mean patients, carers and families may not understand what is happening, or get all the information and support they need.” Hospiceuk.org This week is Hospice UK’s Dying Matters Awareness Week. This year’s theme is, ‘The way we talk about dying matters’. It aims to encourage communities to begin conversations about death and dying in whatever way feels comfortable. It can be a distressing and upsetting conversation, but we support the belief that beginning the conversation in earnest is an important first step to making the process less stressful and more manageable. Here at Hugh Jones Solicitors, we offer a number of services that support end-of-life affairs and administration including Wills, Probate and Estate Admin and Lasting Power of Attorney. Find out more about Dying Matters Awareness Week: https://ow.ly/4ibp50RuTkC #DMAW24 #TalkingAboutDyingMatters

What a simple yet powerfully reverent practice… https://lnkd.in/gwBDU799

Last week, the gavel was passed to me and I am honored to be the next President of the Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys (MATA).   During my term, I hope to continue to focus on lawyer well-being.   Many MATA members practice alone or in small firms. What happens if we pass away or become disabled unexpectantly. Who will finish the job for our clients? How will we support our families?   We are trained to be zealous advocates. We take on the burdens of our clients during their darkest days. That is why they chose us. But, how do we balance our own problems and still prioritize our clients’ needs?     Many lawyers live with depression, alcoholism, or other diseases that affect them both physically and mentally. Is it a weakness to acknowledge publicly these problems? Is it healthy to bottle up those anxieties?   When we manage too many clients or too many deadlines and there are not enough hours in the day, how do we manage these stressors?   Under the leadership of Rhonda Maloney, MATA sanctioned a well-being committee, who will find meaningful ways to help MATA members.   Helping our members handle these problems is not just a good idea – it is our obligation.   As human beings, we all seek comfort in our communities. As trial lawyers, we understand how devastating it is when our clients are taken out of their communities.   At MATA, we have a community.     Together, we have chosen to make a difference in the lives of others.     We do not live on an island.     By choosing to help others, we make positive differences in our own lives.

**Title: Reevaluating Justice: The Case Against the Death Penalty in Light of New Evidence** In a compelling series of videos shared by The New York Times, the ongoing debate surrounding the death penalty gains renewed focus, illuminating the detrimental impact of flawed science on the justice system. As we confront the harsh realities of wrongful convictions and the moral implications of capital punishment, it's critical to reflect on the stories presented and consider the broader ramifications for our society. The New York Times videos present poignant narratives from individuals directly affected by the death penalty—wrongfully convicted individuals, family members of victims, and experts advocating for justice reforms. These firsthand accounts underscore the weight of human experience behind legal statistics, illustrating how the consequences of punitive measures can devastate lives. One of the most troubling aspects highlighted in these discussions is the role of "junk science" in convicting innocent people. From faulty forensic techniques to misleading expert testimonies, the reliability of evidence that once seemed irrefutable has come under severe scrutiny. The videos remind us that our justice system, founded on the principles of fairness and accuracy, can falter under the pressure of sensationalism and systematic bias. The sobering reality is that innocent lives have been lost due to mishandled evidence, and lives forever altered by the stigma of wrongful convictions. As these stories unfold, they paint a powerful picture of failure, showcasing how the death penalty disproportionately impacts marginalized communities and fails to serve as an effective deterrent to crime. Rather than fostering a sense of justice, it perpetuates a cycle of pain and suffering, leaving families of victims without closure and communities fractured by mistrust.

👪Congratulations, you found a new love! Let's make sure your blended family is set up for success. But first, you deserve to know about some very tricky dynamics at play that could easily lead to tragedy. But don’t worry. We got your back! 📞Book a call here to learn more. #estateplanning #estateplanninglawer #protectyourkids #scottsdale #trust #will #probate #trustadministration #buildyourlegacy #seniors #assetprotection #kidsprotectionplan #powerofattorney #healthcaredirective #longtermcareplanning #desmondlaw #azlegacylawyer

Having a will is so important because it legally specifies how a person's assets and estate should be distributed upon their death. Sometimes things are not quite as simple as highlighted by Scottish Legal News in this legal case https://lnkd.in/eN8-mamG In this legal case, Graham Somerville has successfully challenged the validity of his late aunt's 2019 will, in which she changed the primary beneficiary from him to her brother. Somerville argued that his aunt lacked testamentary capacity and was unduly influenced by her brother. Sheriff Christopher Dickson ruled in Somerville's favor, citing the suspicious circumstances of the 2019 will, the deceased's cognitive decline, and her vulnerability to pressure, concluding that the brother had abused the trust relationship, leading to the reduction of the 2019 will. The moral of this post is to underscore the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals, especially those facing health challenges, from potential exploitation and manipulation. It highlights the significance of having legal mechanisms, such as wills, that accurately reflect a person's true intentions and that are created without undue influence. Additionally, this case emphasises the need for transparency and scrutiny in legal proceedings to ensure fairness and justice when disputes arise over the distribution of assets.

Let's unite in support of the Grieving Families Act—a vital amendment to our wrongful death statute that brings New York in line with the majority of states. It's time to recognize the immeasurable grief endured by families when a loved one falls victim to another's negligence. Despite passing the Legislature twice with nearly unanimous support, opponents resort to disingenuous scare tactics, relying on a discredited study to sway Governor Kathy Hochul. The 2023 bill addresses concerns raised in the outdated study, limiting recovery to well-defined family members and significantly reducing potential costs. This legislation is not new; it has been debated for decades. Delaying justice is no longer an option. New Yorkers deserve accountability from wrongdoers and recognition of their grief. Governor Hochul, the time is now to stand with grieving New York families, acknowledge their sorrow, and champion justice. Let's make New York a beacon of compassion and fairness. #GrievingFamiliesAct #JusticeForAll #NewYork

In 2024, Burnette Shutt & McDaniel has but one simple resolution: To continue our fight for justice for all. Happy New Year! We’re honored to take up the cause, and deeply appreciative of your support. #bsmmovinglawforward

“People should be allowed to choose how they want to spend their money - alive or dead.” I’m glad the court’s ruling was “entirely rational”. Perhaps it’s time to think how you want your money to be used for the future generation? #estateplanning #estateplanner #yourlegacykamyplans