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Brown Borkowski & Morrow
  • Home
  • Firm Overview
    • Why Hire Us?
  • Our Team
    • Attorneys
      • Susan Leigh Brown
      • Thomas J. Borkowski, Jr.
      • Matthew N. Morrow
      • David James Eagles
      • Mary A. Mahoney
      • Sara Gorman Rajan
    • Support Staff
  • Practice Areas
    • Business & Corporate Law
    • Business Property Tax Appeals
    • Family Law
    • Estate Planning
    • Probate & Estate Administration
    • Trust Administration
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    • Insurance Defense
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A GREAT LEGAL TEAM TO GUIDE YOU

Family Feud: Estate Edition

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | Aug 24, 2016 | Estate Planning |

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No family is immune from the ravages of estate-related fights.

Not even the families of well known celebrities and politicians. 

Fred Thompson’s progeny are not happy campers.

The sons of the late former United States Senator and Law & Order star are pursuing a lawsuit against their father’s widow in a fight over the Thompson estate.

According to The Tennessean, they have filed a suit that accuses Jeri Thompson of having undue influence over their father at the end of his life, resulting in him making significant changes to his estate plan, including:

  • Changing the beneficiaries of his life insurance policies
  • Changing the beneficiaries of his retirement plans
  • Changing ownership over his personal property, including real estate

They content he made these changes while in a state where he lacked the mental capacity and reasoning to do so. As a result, the sons believe the changes are not valid and should be declared null and void.

How will this case turn out? It’s anyone’s guess, but unless there is compelling evidence of undue influence, the law is likely to side with Jeri Thompson. Unfortunately, these cases can create lasting divides within families as they hold grudges over legal and financial matters rather than functioning as a loving family.

We hope your family never goes through such a fight. With that in mind, here are some simple tips for avoiding the worst of it:

  • Speak openly with your spouse and children about your end-of-life wishes and what you want done with your financial assets and property
  • Work with a skilled attorney to create a comprehensive estate plan that includes a will, trusts and other appropriate documentation
  • Update your estate plan as needed to account for life changes such as marriage, the death of a spouse, and significant financial changes

Do you have questions about creating an estate plan or making sure yours is up to date? In your neck of the woods you can turn to the proven professionals of Brown Borkowski & Morrow.

Key commercial lease clauses Michigan business owners must know

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | Jun 6, 2025 | Real Estate Law

Leasing commercial space is an important step for your business. Before signing, make sure you fully understand what you are agreeing to. A commercial lease is a contract that can affect your establishment for years. The terms can increase costs, limit your options or...

No will? What parents should know about their children’s future

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | Jun 4, 2025 | Estate Planning

If something happens to you tomorrow, will your children be in good hands? Estate planning may sound like a lot of work, but more than anything, it is an act of love and responsibility. It is about protecting your children’s future, ensuring their best interests long...

Probate vs. non-probate assets: What is the difference?

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | Jun 2, 2025 | Estate Planning

When someone passes away in Michigan and there is no will in place, their representative settles their estate according to probate laws. An essential part of that process is understanding the difference between probate and non-probate assets. Knowing what does and...

What is Michigan’s law on tenant rights and eviction?

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | May 20, 2025 | Real Estate Law

If you're a tenant in Michigan, understanding your rights is essential. Tenant rights laws are designed to protect you from unfair treatment and ensure that landlords uphold their responsibilities. In Michigan, there are rules that govern the landlord-tenant...

What is a special needs trust?

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | May 16, 2025 | Estate Planning

A special needs trust helps ensure that your loved one with disabilities receives the support they need while protecting their eligibility for government benefits. These trusts are specifically designed to preserve access to programs like Medicaid or Supplemental...

How is business debt handled during a divorce?

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | Mar 21, 2025 | Family Law

Going through a divorce is challenging, especially when you own a business. Business debt can complicate the process, and understanding how you’ll handle it can make a difference in your settlement. If your business has debts, it’s important to know how those...

How can companies prevent IP theft in the digital world?

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | Mar 7, 2025 | Business & Corporate Law

Businesses use intellectual property (IP) to stay ahead of competitors. IP includes copyrights, trademarks, patents, and trade secrets. These protect creative work, brand names, inventions, and private business information. In today’s digital world, it is easier than...

How does the bundle of rights affect property ownership?

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | Feb 20, 2025 | Real Estate Law

Property ownership includes more than just having a physical structure or land. The "bundle of rights" is a legal concept that explains the different rights attached to real estate ownership. These rights allow owners to use, transfer, and control their property in...

How does Michigan law address parental relocation?

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | Feb 6, 2025 | Family Law

Parental relocation can be a challenging issue after a divorce or custody order. Michigan law has specific rules to ensure that moving does not negatively affect the child’s relationship with both parents. If you share custody and want to move, you must follow legal...

What should seniors know about Medicaid’s look-back period?

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | Jan 23, 2025 | Elder Law

Understanding Medicaid’s look-back period plays a critical role in planning for long-term care. This policy directly affects eligibility for financial assistance with nursing home expenses. Proper planning avoids costly mistakes and ensures access to necessary care....

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Recent Posts

  • Key commercial lease clauses Michigan business owners must know
  • No will? What parents should know about their children’s future
  • Probate vs. non-probate assets: What is the difference?
  • What is Michigan’s law on tenant rights and eviction?
  • What is a special needs trust?

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Brown Borkowski & Morrow
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37887 W 12 Mile Road
Farmington Hills, MI 48331

Ph: 888-757-1681

Farmington Hills Law Office
Brown Borkowski & Morrow
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248-987-4040
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