Too many people believe that responsible estate planning only involves making arrangements for the distribution of assets upon their death. While this is extremely important, you could wind up in the middle of a bitter family conflict while you are still alive if you don’t address what should happen in the event of your incapacity.
New Jersey native and former MTV VJ Matt Pinfield suffered a serious stroke in January. He was working as a Los Angeles disk jockey at the time. Though he is no longer in a coma, the 63-year-old has been debilitated by the damage to his brain. While this should be a time when loved ones come together to provide support and focus on the patient’s well-being, a dispute has erupted over a legal conservatorship for Pinfield.
Matt Pinfield’s daughter Jessica filed for conservatorship in California shortly after her father was hospitalized, citing concerns for his well-being and the security of his assets. Her filing argues that due to his health condition and inability to make decisions post-stroke, a conservatorship is necessary to shield his property and accounts from potential exploitation.
Apparently, Jessica’s decision was motivated in part by concerns that her father’s girlfriend, Kara Brown, would not be a responsible custodian of his affairs. To support her petition, Jessica alleged that alleged that Brown improperly seized her father’s physical and financial assets. In response, Brown and Matt Pinfield’s son Glenn, filed an opposition to Jessica’s request for conservatorship. They claim that when Matt Pinfield was lucid prior to his stroke, he named Brown to represent him in key decisions.
This legal drama offers a crucial lens into the broader implications of conservatorship—a legal framework designed to protect individuals who are unable to care for themselves. Yet, it illustrates how these proceedings can become highly contentious and emotionally charged, often reflecting deeper family rifts and mistrust that extend beyond the legal landscape.
For those facing similar circumstances, this situation underscores the importance of having clear incapacity plans and discussing potential scenarios openly among family members. Legal counsel can help clarify the responsibilities, rights and pathways available, ensuring that the needs and wishes of the affected individual remain paramount.
Frieri Law Group in Cranford drafts advance directives addressing incapacity and represents parties in guardianship and conservatorship proceedings. Our firm serves Union, Morris and Somerset counties, as well as other New Jersey locations. For a consultation, please call 908-883-3390 or contact us online.