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If you represent claimants in childhood Social Security disability cases, the Ninth Circuit's recent decision in Jenson v. Bisignano  is one you'll want to pull up and annotate. It's a unanimous affirmance that touches nearly every major stage of the childhood disability analysis, and it sends a clear message about just how much deference ALJs can command when the record is built the right way. Here's a close read of what happened, where the claimant's arguments fell short, a

You probably assume that if something happened to you, the other parent would step in and everything would work itself out. In many families, that's true. But not always. Real life is messy. Parents separate. Relationships become contentious. Custody disputes drag on for years. And when a tragedy occurs in the middle of all of that, children can end up in legal limbo while adults and courts scramble to figure out what happens next. A recent Michigan case shows exactly how com

You and your partner have built something real together. Maybe you share a home, split the bills, and have been each other's go-to person for years. In every way that matters, you're family. The problem is, the law doesn't see it that way. Without a marriage certificate, your partner has almost no automatic legal standing when it comes to your health care, your finances, or your estate. That gap doesn't just create paperwork headaches — it can leave the person you love most c

If you are in a blended family, you may believe the simplest estate plan is the fairest one: "I'll leave everything to my spouse. They'll take care of my kids." That approach often works in a first marriage where both spouses share the same biological or adopted children. But in a blended family, the dynamic is completely different—and the consequences of getting it wrong can be devastating. In this article, you will learn what normally happens when spouses in blended familie

In Shillington v. Bisignano , No. 24-6894 (9th Cir. 2026), the Ninth Circuit delivered a clear reminder to Social Security disability practitioners: overturning an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) decision remains an uphill battle — even when errors exist. For claimants and attorneys handling SSDI appeals in the Ninth Circuit, this case reinforces long-standing principles about the deferential “substantial evidence” standard of review. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what happen

Unlike most inherited assets, retirement accounts are not income tax-free . Beneficiaries must pay income tax on withdrawals. Key Changes Under the SECURE Act of 2019 Eliminated the “stretch IRA” for most beneficiaries Requires many heirs to withdraw the full account within 10 years Accelerates taxation and reduces long-term tax-deferred growth Why This Matters Larger withdrawals = higher taxable income Can push beneficiaries into higher tax brackets A $500,000 inheritance co

The United States Court of Appeals for the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit recently issued a non-published decision in Varnon v. Commissioner of Social Security  that highlights just how deferential the “substantial evidence”  standard can be in Social Security disability appeals. For claimants and attorneys alike, the decision serves as an important reminder: even when the record contains conflicting evidence, courts often defer to the Administrative

You’ve probably heard that trusts help families avoid probate and protect assets for loved ones . Maybe someone even suggested adding a trust to your will. While that sounds like a smart solution, most people don’t realize something important: a trust created in your will works very differently from a living trust created during your lifetime. Both options use the word trust , which makes them seem similar. But the experience your family has after your death can be completely

When planning for your death, one critical question often gets overlooked: Will your loved ones have to pay taxes on what you leave them? The answer depends on the type of assets you pass down, the total value of your estate, and where you live at the time of your death. Understanding how different assets are taxed can help you make informed decisions that minimize the tax burden on your beneficiaries and protect more of your wealth. Estate Taxes: Will They Apply to Your Esta

Sometimes Social Security appeals feel routine—until a procedural issue forces everyone to slow down. The Sixth Circuit did exactly that in Follen v. Commissioner of Social Security (No. 25-3135, Feb. 11, 2026) , issuing a reminder that § 405(g) only authorizes two kinds of remands —and courts cannot invent a third.   What Happened in Follen After answering the complaint, the Commissioner moved for a remand so the ALJ could “further articulate”  the persuasiveness of the evid

You’ve worked hard for your home. For many Florida families, it’s the most valuable asset they own — financially and emotionally. Maybe a friend mentioned a Lady Bird Deed. Maybe you saw a video online claiming it avoids probate and protects your home from Medicaid. That’s all true. But here’s what often gets left out of the conversation: A Lady Bird Deed is a powerful tool — but it’s not a complete estate plan . Let’s walk through what it does well, where it falls short, and

This Ninth Circuit memorandum opinion doesn’t break new legal ground—but it reinforces several recurring themes  in social security appeals, especially when records are thin and arguments are underdeveloped. Key Takeaways Appeals fail when records lack support and arguments are weak. Claimants must clearly articulate legal theories at every step. The Ninth Circuit will affirm favorable agency decisions when plaintiffs don’t carry their burden. Step Two: “Severe” Means Functio

Every year on February 1 , states observe National Unclaimed Property Day —a reminder that billions of dollars in forgotten assets are being held by governments, waiting for rightful owners. This day encourages you to reclaim money already yours and prevent future financial losses. What Is Unclaimed Property? Unclaimed property includes financial assets with no activity or contact for a set time , usually 1–5 years. These assets are turned over to the state in a process calle

Losing a loved one is already an incredibly emotional and overwhelming experience. Amidst the grief, surviving family members often face an unexpected burden: dealing with the decedent’s debt. This can lead to an important and uncomfortable question: Am I personally responsible for paying off their debts?   If you’re in Florida, the answer is generally reassuring. No, in most cases, heirs are not personally responsible for a deceased loved one’s debts. But, as with any rule,

In Welch v. Bisignano  (Jan. 9, 2026), the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the denial of disabled child’s insurance benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). While the outcome isn’t surprising, the reasoning offers important reminders for disability advocates—especially regarding how diagnoses, impairments, and medical evidence are evaluated. Diagnosis Alone Is Not a Medically Determinable Impairment (MDI) Q: Does having a diagnosis guarantee a medically determi

One of the most common questions families ask after a loved one passes away is:  “What actually has to go through probate?”  The answer is often less intimidating than people expect. Not everything a person owned becomes part of a Florida probate case. Whether an asset goes through probate usually depends on how it was owned and whether a beneficiary was properly designated .  Below is a clear breakdown of the assets families ask about most.  What Determines Whether an Asse

For practitioners litigating mental-health disability claims , the Fifth Circuit’s decision in Laird v. Bisignano , No. 25-50347 (5th Cir. Jan. 8, 2026), offers both guidance and caution. The case delves into the application of Listings 12.04 and 12.06 , particularly under Paragraph C – marginal adjustment . Overview of the Case The claimant in Laird  alleged disability based on bipolar disorder and anxiety , asserting that he met the criteria under Paragraph C  of the releva