Ready for a Halloween classic with a legal twist? In this episode of 82 Toothpicks, the team sinks their teeth into Hocus Pocus, unraveling the surprising estate planning lessons hiding among witches, spellbooks, and immortal cats. As Max lights the black flame candle and chaos breaks loose, the crew highlights how poor planning—and worse execution—can unleash real-world legal nightmares.
Ethan, Joselyn, and Thad explore how the Sanderson sisters' return raises questions about capacity, consent, and durable powers of attorney, especially when adults are bewitched and unavailable. They dig into the dangers of powerful magical assets without proper safeguards, and how the candle itself mirrors a trust provision waiting for the wrong trigger. The conversation also covers guardianship issues, temporary authority, and why even the undead should think about the rule against perpetuities.
🕯️ What We Cover:
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The black flame candle as a metaphor for triggering trust provisions
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Salem’s absent adults and the need for clear emergency guardianship
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Fiduciary responsibility and controlling dangerous legacy assets (like spellbooks)
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Why the Sandersons are a case study in “ruling from the grave”
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