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01.15.2025
Another Example Where Technical Formalities Are Not Necessary to Effectuate a Testator’s Intent
Bartek v. LoSapio, No. A-3022-21, 2025 WL 37451 (N.J. Super. App. Div. Jan. 7, 2025) This case deals with a codicil’s validity that does not reference the decedent’s most recent Last Will and Testament. The Appellate Division was not concerned with the error, even if the error constituted a deficiency in the formality of a […]
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01.01.2025
January Meeting – Seven Deadly Claims
Archer attorneys Steven Mignogna and Melissa Osorio Dibble will present “Seven Deadly Claims” at the Estate Planning Council of Delaware January Meeting. “Seven Deadly Claims” focuses on the seven most significant causes of action stemming from the growing number of estate and trust litigation matters around the country. When: Wednesday, January 8 | 5:00pm – 7:30pm […]
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01.01.2025
RPC 3.7 Prevents Attorney from Acting as Counsel at a Trial or Pretrial Evidentiary Hearing When the Attorney is Likely a Necessary Witness at the Trial or Hearing
Fountain Plaza, LLC, v. Petrock’s Liquors, Inc., No. A-1522-23, 2024 WL 4822646 (N.J. Super. App. Div. Nov. 19, 2024) The Chancery Division, relying on R. 1:21-1(c) and RPC 3.7, granted defendant’s motion to disqualify plaintiff’s attorney. Plaintiff was granted leave to file an interlocutory appeal, and the Appellate Division reversed. Plaintiff Fountain Plaza is an […]
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12.17.2024
Pennsylvania Legislature Expands Slayer Statute to Include Elder Abuse
In many jurisdictions, the law dictates that people cannot benefit from their crimes. In the realm of the administration of decedent’s estates, this principle takes the form of “slayer statutes” which state that a killer cannot inherit from their victim. Where these statutes traditionally disinherit beneficiaries who kill the testator, some states have expanded their […]
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Featured Contributor
Steven K. Mignogna
Steve serves as Co-Chair of Archer’s Private Wealth, Estates & Trusts Group and Chair of the firm’s Estate and Trust Litigation Group. He focuses on commercial litigation, including litigation involving probate matters, estates, trusts, gifts, fiduciaries, guardianships, and real estate, handling cases in the state and federal courts, at both the trial and appellate levels. Representing both institutions and individuals, Steve’s clients include banks, corporate fiduciaries, investment companies, educational and charitable institutions, and real estate firms, as well as beneficiaries of estates and trusts, executors, trustees, guardians, incapacitated persons, surviving spouses, and persons having an interest in real estate.