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Lisa Marie Presley to testify against estranged husband in bitter divorce case

<p>Lisa Marie Presley will testify against her estranged husband when their bitter divorce trial goes to court on Monday.</p> <p>Presley split with musician Michael Lockwood in 2016 after 10 years of marriage. They share nine-year-old twin daughters, Finley and Harper.</p> <p>She says that her estranged husband has been trying to claim a share of the inheritance left to her by her late father, rock 'n' roll legend Elvis Presley.</p> <p>According to legal documents, the 50-year-old is set to take the stand to testify that her husband had "assured her that he was not that guy" after she told him prior to their 2006 wedding that she "would not marry someone who would come after her for her money."</p> <p>Presley, once worth a staggering $87 million, asked Lockwood to sign a post-nup for peace of mind after their marriage. The post-nup was signed by both parties and stated that neither would pursue the other for support "at any time, regardless of the circumstances."</p> <p>"So much for assurances," Presley's attorney, Gary Fishbein, said of Lockwood, who is now contesting the post-nup with Presley.</p> <p>Lockwood, 57, is arguing the document be void because he was coerced into signing it, and his lawyer at the time, who has since died, failed to properly explain the terms of the agreement.</p> <p>"Lockwood cannot now complain that he's sorry he entered the agreement because he doesn't like the terms," said Fishbein. "He knew what he was signing, was represented and cannot invalidate the agreement because he has a case of sour grapes."</p> <p>In her count documents, Presley has claims that she is $22 million in debt, with $14 million owed in back in taxes. However, Lockwood refutes this, claiming Presley earns around $5.8 million every year, or $480,000 a month, thanks to a trust set up by her father.</p> <p>The trial is expected to last four days.</p>

Legal

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Meghan Markle’s estranged sister sets up online fundraiser asking for $20,000

<p>Meghan Markle’s half-sister has created an online fundraising page asking for $20,000 to make her home more accessible to the wheelchair user.</p> <p>Samantha Grant, 52, has previously spoken out against her actress sister who is dating Prince Harry, describing her as a “self-obsessed” social climber.</p> <p>The mother-of-three admitted last year that she hasn’t seen Meghan since 2008.</p> <p>Samantha, who suffers from MS, started a GoFundMe page to ask for money to make adjustments to her home.</p> <p>“For years I've struggled with the inability to get around my home effectively and safely in a wheelchair,” she wrote on her page, which has so far raised $150,” she writes on the page.</p> <p>“Some may think that because I look OK that I can't possibly struggle.</p> <p>“The truth is that I do with spinal MS. I would just like to be able to navigate my home safely and efficiently.</p> <p>“I'd like to be able to walk and undergo physical therapy but until and unless I can, I am barred from so many daily activities because my house is not accessible to my wheelchair.”</p> <p><img width="446" height="297" src="https://s.yimg.com/iu/api/res/1.2/LFXpzfo0WDQ6fvUQlyxtTw--~D/cm90YXRlPWF1dG87dz05NjA7YXBwaWQ9eXZpZGVv/https://s.yimg.com/ea/img/-/171023/59ed0ecf7778b_24759094_1508362066.6197_59ed0e83136d4.jpg" alt="Samantha Grant GoFundMe" class="article-figure-image" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>However, the page has also garnered $150 from the public but those who have donated have left some scathing comments.</p> <p>“They say you are Meghan Markle's sister. If that is true… shame on her for not helping you with all the money she's making. God bless you and the laws of the universe does exist," one person said.</p> <p>"Lots of good luck wishes always from me here in the UK for a new home for Samantha, I too have MS have fought for nearly 50 years no meds and too have a bungalow adapted for me," another person said.</p> <p>Samantha is set to <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/books/2017/09/inside-meghan-markles-sisters-tell-all-book/">release a book “The Diary of Princess Pushy’s Sister, which will detail her tumultuous relationship with Meghan.</a> </span></strong></p> <p> </p>

Caring

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Nicole Kidman reunites with estranged daughter

<p>Nicole Kidman has recently reconnected with her 23-year-old estranged daughter Bella Cruise in the UK, in what has been described as an emotional reunion.</p> <p>Following her divorce from Tom Cruise in 2001, the Nicole Kidman suffered a turbulent relationship with her adopted children Bella and Connor Cruise. Both children went to live with their father, Tom Cruise, following the breakup. It was also reported that the two children followed their father into the Church of Scientology, leading them to cease contact with Nicole.</p> <p><img width="397" height="413" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/26379/bella_397x413.jpg" alt="Bella"/></p> <p>This recent reunion marks the first time Nicole met Bella’s husband IT consultant, Max Parker. The couple are living in the working class suburb of Croydon in the UK, leaving the glitz and glamour of tinsel town behind. Bella also told <em>New Idea</em> that she dreams in the future of starting a family of her own, but not anytime soon.</p> <p>“I’m 23, so we'll see...I'm still a baby myself.”</p> <p>Have you reconnected with an estranged family member? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.</p> <p><strong>Relation:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/06/expert-tips-for-connecting-with-your-grandchildren/"><em>5 expert tips for connecting with your grandchildren</em></a></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/06/things-i-am-saving-to-leave-behind-to-my-grandson/"><em>10 treasures I’m saving to leave behind to my grandson</em></a></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/06/tips-to-repair-a-distant-grandparent-grandchild-relationship/"><em>Tips to repair a distant grandparent-grandchild relationship</em></a></strong></span></p>

News

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Expert advice for coping with estranged adult children

<p><em><strong>Dr Karl Pillemer is a professor of human development at Cornell University and professor of gerontology in medicine at the Weill Cornell Medical College. An internationally renowned gerontologist, his research examines how people develop and change throughout their lives.</strong></em></p> <p>In my <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/30-Lessons-Loving-Americans-Relationships/dp/1594631549/ref=pd_sim_b_1/184-0787716-6243150?ie=UTF8&amp;refRID=1FKJ94P4MG0E8SNB2C6M" target="_blank">studies</a></strong></span> of the lives of older Americans, I learned that almost nothing is as painful to them as estrangement from an adult child. When I wrote a <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://legacyproject.human.cornell.edu/2013/03/06/children-who-break-your-heart-a-reader-asks-for-your-advice/" target="_blank">blog post on this topic</a></strong></span>, it led to an extraordinary outpouring of interest that both surprised and moved me. When we reach the later years, our dream is to be surrounded by loving children and grandchildren. For some older people, however, a negative relationship with one of their offspring – or even worse, complete separation from him or her – is profoundly difficult.</p> <p>Parents in this situation are looking for advice. So I consulted a group of experts on family relations – from psychology, psychiatry, and social work – to learn what they would advise parents who feel their adult child has broken their hearts. Here’s what they told me:</p> <p><strong>Jane Adams, Ph.D., author of <em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/When-Our-Grown-Kids-Disappoint/dp/074323281X" target="_blank">When Our Grown Kids Disappoint Us</a></span></em></strong></p> <p>Here’s some advice to parents in this situation. 1. Remember it’s their story and they’re sticking to it so don’t try to change or correct their version of the past. 2. Express your regret without letting them guilt-trip you; regret is guilt without the neuroses. 3. Stay open to their overture – who’s the grown-up here? – but don’t allow them to abuse you emotionally, physically, or financially.</p> <p><strong>Robert C. Abrams, M. D., Professor of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College</strong></p> <p>The estrangement of adult children from parents, in cases where overt parental abuse had not in fact occurred, can in some instances be read as a mark of immaturity on the part of the adult children, who may not yet have experienced the emotional challenges of parenting; for this group, at least, there is the hope that if they find themselves in the same role a few years later, they will gain compassion, if not forgiveness, for their own parents. Some older parents can at least can hold out for this hope. No one, of course, had “perfect parents.” Forgiveness involves understanding and identification with the difficulties one’s parents may have had, and as such, forgiveness is an expression of love and maturity.</p> <p><strong>Marina Sbrochi Spriggs, author of <em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Stop-Looking-Husband-Find-Love-ebook/dp/B004ZLE16O" target="_blank">Stop Looking for a Husband: Find the Love of Your Life</a></span></em> and <em>Nasty Divorce: A Kid’s Eye View</em></strong></p> <p>My piece of advice on estrangement of children is this: I feel the parent is the one that can’t stop reaching out, can’t stop going above and beyond to do anything to repair this broken relationship. The parent has to steer this relationship to a better path. The parent must let go of his or her ego. Leave it at the door. Apologise. It doesn’t matter what happened. It is your CHILD. Never stop trying. Be humble. Apologise and profess your unconditional love. When you finally meet, hug your child and don’t let go for a really long time. If you are estranged due to parental alienation, I have the same advice. Don’t stop trying. The kids will find out the truth one day. </p> <p><strong>Risa S. Breckman, LCSW, Therapist and Director of NYC Elder Abuse Centre</strong></p> <p>Estrangement from an adult child can happen for any number of reasons. Sometimes it is the child’s spouse who demands distancing from family. Other times it may be due to an adult child becoming abusive and the parent needs to cut off ties for safety reasons. And sometimes the reason can seem inexplicable. Whatever the cause, the loss can be heartbreaking. If it does not resolve, it can feel like a death. Compounding the problem, older couples may not agree on how the reality came to pass or on what to do and this may cause friction. And other family members may have strong opinions or judgments, adding to the distress. Not surprisingly, powerful feelings of guilt, shame, anxiety and depression may emerge. There may also be significant grief. Older adults living with estrangement deserve support and understanding from others. Healing is a process and takes time. Seeking professional counselling can help with the challenging practical and emotional problems surrounding the experience. </p> <p><strong>Winifred M. Reilly, MA, Marriage and Family Therapist, author of <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://speakingofmarriage.com/looking-for-practical-sane-and-effective-marriage-advice/" target="_blank">Speaking of Marriage</a></span> blog</strong></p> <p>Experience has taught me that when it comes to family life, nothing is simple or formulaic. Children who remain close to their parents didn’t all grow up on Sunnybrook Farm. And those who distance themselves or choose to have zero contact haven’t all done so because their parents failed them in some significant way. (Though, of course, some have.) Many fine parents have children who pull away — sometimes for reasons the parents cannot figure out.</p> <p>If your grown child has pulled away, ask yourself this: Is there an unresolved issue that needs to be addressed? Is there something I might do to make that resolution possible? Is there something I need to apologise for or forgive? Difficult as it is, I’ve seen many parents remain openhearted to their estranged children, reaching out, inviting contact, expressing their love, with no expectation or insistence that it be reciprocated. Sometimes all we can do is leave the porch light on with a key under the mat.</p> <p>For more information, please visit the website <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.marriagelegacy.org%29/" target="_blank">Marriage Legacy</a></span></strong> or follow Karl Pillemer on <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://twitter.com/KarlPillemer" target="_blank">Twitter</a></strong></span>. </p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/06/expert-tips-for-connecting-with-your-grandchildren/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>5 expert tips for connecting with your grandchildren</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/06/things-i-am-saving-to-leave-behind-to-my-grandson/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>10 treasures I’m saving to leave behind to my grandson</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/06/tips-to-repair-a-distant-grandparent-grandchild-relationship/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Tips to repair a distant grandparent-grandchild relationship</strong></em></span></a></p>

Family & Pets