FUMBLING THE BUSINESS

By Tim Barkley. July 2020. “I have a buyer for my husband’s work van, and he can’t sign because he has dementia. We need the money. What can I do?” “We have a buyer for my mom’s business, but she just had a stroke and can’t sign papers. What do we need to do?” The...

FLIP-FLOP

By Tim Barkley. April 2019. “Hi, Susan!” The attorney appeared to be talking nonsensically to himself, but everyone who saw him pacing outside his office could make out the telltale flashing blue light at his ear that indicated otherwise.  “Late-breaking news! ...

SURPRISE!

Surprise! January 2019. By Timothy S. Barkley, Sr. Susan’s voice was urgent: “I’m at my mom’s place at the assisted living.  The social worker just told me that Mom signed a new power of attorney and replaced me.  Our sister Mary, who hasn’t...

IMPORTUNITY KNOCKS

By Tim Barkley. November 2016. Elderly and alone, my client had faced the future with fear. Widowed and childless, she relied on her money to secure her the attentions of her neighbors and nieces. Money was the carrot; the stick was her threat to write them out of the...