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If you litigate Social Security Disability (SSD) cases in the Fourth Circuit, Hultz v. Bisignano  is a decision you’ll want to keep close. This case builds on Arakas v. Commissioner  and provides a strong reminder, and a warning, about how fibromyalgia claims must be properly evaluated. Hultz Reinforces Arakas: No Objective Evidence Requirement for Fibromyalgia The core error in Hultz  involved the ALJ denying benefits by discounting subjective symptoms simply because they we

One of the first questions families ask after a loved one passes away is simple—and completely reasonable:  “How long is this going to take?”  The short answer is: it depends . The more helpful answer depends on the type of probate , the assets involved , and whether there are complications or disputes .  Below is a clear breakdown of what actually drives probate timelines in Florida.  The Two Main Probate Timelines in Florida  Florida probate generally follows one of two pat

A Case That Shouldn’t Have Gone This Far It took a trip all the way to the Ninth Circuit to clarify something fundamental: Step Two of the Social Security disability process is a minimal threshold , not a high bar. Fortunately, Josephine Gerrard  stepped in and delivered an outstanding oral argument on behalf of her client, Combest , leading to a much-needed remand . Background on the Claimant Combest  suffers from the following medically documented impairments : Fibromyalgia

(What the Role Really Involves — and Why Understanding It Early Matters)   When someone passes away, it is very common for a family member or close friend to be asked to serve as Personal Representative of the estate. Often, people agree to take on this role without fully understanding what it involves. In other situations, beneficiaries may have questions or concerns about how an estate is being handled and want to know what the Personal Representative is legally required t

Estate planning isn’t just about paperwork — it’s about safeguarding your family’s future, preserving privacy, and avoiding unnecessary legal complications. Whether you’re just starting or revisiting your plan, knowing the difference between a will  and a trust  — and how each works — is essential to making the best decision for your goals and loved ones. For a deeper look at comprehensive planning that goes beyond wills and trusts, see Estate Planning Overview — Tower Law Gr

Every so often, a Social Security case reads less like routine administrative law and more like a cautionary tale about delay, broken process, and institutional fatigue. Hicks v. Commissioner , a decision issued by the Sixth Circuit , is one of those cases. Background: The Hicks Case Hicks was awarded Supplemental Security Income (SSI)  in 2008. Her case was later entangled in the Eric Conn / ALJ Daugherty fraud scandal , despite her having no involvement  in the misconduct.

(Why Timing and Information Matter More Than People Realize)   Many Florida probate matters don’t begin with disputes or litigation. They begin with surprise.  People often learn, days, weeks, or even months after a death, that they are a Personal Representative, a beneficiary, or otherwise involved in a probate case. By the time they realize this, important decisions may already have been made, statutory deadlines may be approaching, and emotions may already be running high.

You probably know you “should” have a will or a trust , but have you ever talked with your family about why your money exists in the first place?  A simple family mission statement, combined with a comprehensive estate plan can dramatically increase the odds that your wealth—and your relationships—stay intact for generations. You spend a lifetime working, saving, and building a life for the people you love. Yet research shows that: An estimated 70% of wealthy families lose th

As the holiday season wraps up and the New Year approaches, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit  quietly issued a decision that Social Security disability practitioners  should not overlook: Nunez v. Commissioner of Social Security . This decision reinforces a critical point in Residual Functional Capacity (RFC)  analysis: there must be a clear connection between acknowledged mental limitations and the actual functional limitations reflected in the RFC. Key Issue

The SECURE Act 2.0  brought some of the biggest changes to retirement planning in decades. While many people believe these updates only affect their own retirement—or aren’t aware of them at all—the reality is far more impactful. SECURE Act 2.0 directly affects how your loved ones will inherit your retirement accounts and how much they may lose to taxes after your death.  Without updated planning, these changes could significantly reduce the inheritance you worked so hard to

On November 27, nine days after being pulled unconscious from a house fire in a beachfront home in New London, Connecticut, Tony Hsieh , the former CEO of online shoe retailer Zappos , died due to complications from smoke inhalation. Hsieh was just 46 years old , single, and had no children. Although the cause of the fire remains under investigation, authorities ruled his death accidental . At the time of his passing, Hsieh was worth an estimated $840 million . Shockingly, de

A recent Ninth Circuit decision — Romero v. Bisignano  (Nov. 12, 2025)  — provides a timely reminder that reasoning-level conflicts between a claimant’s RFC and jobs identified at Step Five cannot be ignored . For Social Security Disability attorneys, especially those practicing in the Ninth Circuit, this case underscores two critical points: Reasoning levels still matter . ALJs must explicitly reconcile conflicts  on the record. What Happened in Romero v. Bisignano ? In Rome

Michael Duarte had everything to live for. At 39 years old, the popular food influencer was growing his brand, creating recipes for millions of followers, and raising his daughter Oakley with his wife, Jessica. Then, on November 8, 2025, his life ended suddenly during what should have been an ordinary trip to Texas. His death was unexpected — and devastating for his family emotionally and  financially. Within hours, a GoFundMe appeared asking for help to bring his body home a

When an ALJ acknowledges “moderate limitations”  in areas like attention and attendance, but then crafts an RFC with no actual restrictions on staying on task or consistent attendance , the Second Circuit isn’t buying it. This decision is a must-read for anyone handling mental-health disability claims. ⚖️ The Big Picture In Nunez , the Second Circuit vacated the denial of benefits  because the ALJ’s RFC failed to translate recognized limitations into meaningful functional res

Why Family Caregiving Often Brings Out the Worst in Siblings Caregiving responsibilities tend to fall unevenly among siblings. Old resentments, favoritism, and childhood dynamics often resurface. Stress, unclear expectations, and emotional pressure amplify conflict. Families are often shocked when long-buried issues reappear during caregiving. Your Children Are Watching — and Learning Children observe how their parents interact with siblings during eldercare. They internalize

You know who gets genuinely excited about a good transferable skills analysis? This girl right here. And let me tell you, I've got a fresh-off-the-press Tenth Circuit remand that deserves a permanent spot in your Social Security litigation toolkit. The Case: Morgan v. Commissioner, SSA , No. 24-8085 (10th Cir. Oct. 9, 2025) Meet Rose Morgan. She spent 14 years as a buyer for the Wyoming Department of Transportation—not exactly a walk in the park. Her job involved soliciting b

We all know the holiday “White Elephant” game—the stealing, swapping, joking, and occasional grudge. But when the “gifts” are real assets like a classic car, a family cabin, or heirloom jewelry, and there are no rules, no referee, and no laughs afterward, the result isn’t fun—it’s conflict. Without a proper estate plan: No one knows who is supposed to get what Verbal promises hold no legal weight Hurt feelings, confusion, and resentment grow Family tensions — sometimes old on

The holidays bring family together—a perfect time for warmth, connection, and meaningful conversations. They’re also an occasion to address important, sometimes difficult topics that many people avoid: what happens when you die, how your loved ones will be cared for, and how to preserve your legacy. This season offers an opportunity to talk with intention and love. Below, you’ll learn how to shift your mindset, open heartfelt conversations, and turn your discussions into mean

Every so often, the Ninth Circuit drops a decision that brings home the realities of Social Security disability litigation— Phillips v. Bisignano  is one of those. Key Takeaways: What You Need to Know Phillips asked the ALJ to reopen  a prior application. But without a solid due process  argument or “good cause” under § 404.911(b) , the Ninth Circuit rejected the request. The ALJ discounted multiple medical opinions (from Eastman, Wingate, Jaura, Fernandez, Marshall) because