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You’ve built a life with someone you love — sharing a home, experiences, and finances — but without legal marriage, the law doesn’t automatically recognize your relationship. If something happens to you, your partner could be left without legal rights to your property, finances, or even medical decisions. This guide explains why unmarried couples face unique legal risks, how to protect each other, and how a Legacy Planning Session ensures your wishes are honored, no matter wh

The Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals issued an affirmance in Harrison v. Commissioner of Social Security  on April 29, 2024. This case illustrates how courts review Social Security disability determinations under the substantial evidence standard. Case Overview Ms. Harrison applied for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) on February 23, 2018. After initial and reconsideration denials, she appeared before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). Despite her diagnoses—including ADHD, de

The Ninth Circuit recently affirmed the denial of disability benefits in Blanchard v. Bisignano , providing a helpful refresher on how courts evaluate subjective symptom testimony, conflicting medical opinions, and vocational expert (VE) evidence under the substantial evidence standard. Overview of the Case Blanchard alleged disabling physical and cognitive limitations following a car accident. The Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) was not fully persuaded—and the Ninth Circuit a

October 20–26, 2025, is Estate Planning Awareness Week —a national observance encouraging Americans to consider what will happen to their loved ones and assets after they pass away. Estate planning isn’t just about creating documents like wills, trusts, or powers of attorney—it’s about love, protection, and peace of mind . Yet despite its importance, most Americans are unprepared. A 2024 survey revealed that only 32% of Americans have a will , a 6% decline from the prior year

Before diving into the details, a quick shout-out to Jennifer Van Fossan and Dennis Fox for their excellent work on Littrell v. O'Malley , issued on October 4, 2024. This case brought an interesting split in the Eighth Circuit — complete with a dissenting opinion! Background of the Case Littrell appealed the denial of her Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Her main argument? The Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) didn’t properly consider her chronic back and knee pain.

The Ninth Circuit has once again clarified an essential principle in disability law: Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) must explain their changes in findings. In Gageby v. Dudek, the Court reversed and remanded after an ALJ downgraded a claimant’s concentration, persistence, and pace (CPP) rating without any explanation. Case Background: What Happened The ALJ initially found moderate CPP limitations. After the district court remanded the case to consider Dr. Campion’s opinion,

When someone you love dies, grief hits hard enough. But imagine adding legal chaos, confusing paperwork, and no one to guide you through it all. That’s the reality for thousands of families every year who are left to navigate a messy and expensive process without support. In this article, you’ll read real stories of families who faced this struggle, the challenges they encountered, and why having the right lawyer as a trusted advisor can make all the difference for your loved

Another day, another uphill climb for Social Security disability claimants. The Tenth Circuit recently issued another affirmance — this time in Fager v. Commissioner of Social Security , upholding the denial of SSI benefits. The opinion runs 21 pages, so let’s break down the key takeaways. Background Fager, a former legal secretary and housekeeper with a degree in anthropology, applied for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in 2017. She alleged disability due to: Back injurie

Swanson applied for disability insurance benefits alleging chronic pain and mobility problems. The case had already been remanded once....

A standard initial consultation with an estate planning lawyer often looks like this: you meet briefly, answer questions about your...

The Eleventh Circuit’s recent opinion in Dubose v. Commissioner of Social Security  offers a valuable refresher on three recurring...

If you’re like most people, you assume that when the time comes, someone—your spouse, children, or a close friend—will step in to care...

Every disability appeal has two moving parts : The law (statutes, regulations, case precedent) The record (medical evidence, testimony,...

Running a business takes grit, determination, and countless hours of work. You’ve poured yourself into building something valuable—not...

Fibromyalgia continues to challenge both claimants and adjudicators in Social Security disability law. The Seventh Circuit’s recent...

Grief isn’t scheduled. It appears in unexpected moments and in subtle ways that shift your entire being: Emotional fluctuations — You may...

Madkins, a machine operator, suffered back problems, carpal tunnel syndrome, and depression after a work injury. He applied for Social...

When you launched your business, your focus was likely on growth, clients, and revenue. That’s natural—those are the things that keep the...

On October 29, 2024 , the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals  upheld the denial of Supplemental Security Income (SSI)  benefits for a young...