The family of long time American Top 40 host, Casey Kasem, settled their dispute over his health care on Friday.
The children from his first marriage had requested a conservatorship
because they alleged that their step-mother was not permitting them to
see him. A court appointed doctor had opined that Kasem, who is bed
ridden and hospitalized with Parkinson's disease, would want to see his
children. Details of the settlement are undisclosed.
Several points:
1.
These types of disputes are fairly common with second marriages and
children from a prior marriage. They are also common among siblings
when one child lives out of town.
2. To reduce the risk of
conflict, an individual should execute a durable power of attorney for
health care and a financial power of attorney. Further, the attorney
in fact under both documents should communicate with other family
members.
3. Because terms of the settlement are undisclosed, it
remains unknown if the Kasem children are permitted to visit their
father, or if they have to send him long distance dedications.
