Estate Planning, Probate & Elder Law Attorneys

» The Teepee Shaped Recovery
Investors expecting a steady recovery should look out below.

» Brooke Astor Saga Reaches Conclusion

I reviewed Meryl Gordon's book Mrs. Astor Regrets earlier this year (here) -- it was one of my favorite books I read in 2009.

The trial of Mrs. Astor's son, Anthony Marshall, is coming to a conclusion (barring appeals). Mr. Marshall was found guilty of "looting his mother's fortune" (another lawyer, Francis X. Morrissey Jr., was also found guilty) -- here is the story. I can't understand why the maximum sentence is only 3 years -- why is that? Because Mr. Marshall is rich? Ugh.

I'm also a little troubled by this line in the article:

The judge noted Marshall's World War II service and the possibility that the late Astor herself would have been aghast to see her son imprisoned, but he added that the law left him no choice but to impose a prison term.

1. Would Mrs. Astor REALLY have been aghast, in light of what her son did to her?

2. I realize that many people want to give members of The Greatest Generation a free pass (and unlimited free health care, free prescriptions, etc.) as a result of their actions in World War II, but I can't figure out why Mr. Marshall's heroics 60+ years ago have any bearing on this case.

» Brokers may dodge fiduciary requirement, consumer groups say
 

» Sources say elderly investors lost millions in fraud

A charitable gift annuity allows a donor to give cash or property to a non-profit charity in exchange for fixed annuity payments which the donor and sometimes a spouse will receive during their lifetimes.

» Psycho' just as scary 50 years later

Can we slow it all down, just a bit? For Goda s sake, Dennis Hopper is making out his last will and testament, George Blanda is 82, and a oePsychoa is celebrating its 50th anniversary of scaring the wits, and everything else, out of us.