Life, Law, & Lattes

Lamar Odom’s Turning Point: Trauma, Addiction & Hope

Host Nadia Gilkes reviews the documentary The Death and Life of Lamar Odom, exploring his childhood trauma, addiction journey, and the medical crisis that brought his story back into the spotlight.
She highlights the legal takeaways—why powers of attorney, guardian nominations, and state lockboxes matter, how next-of-kin rules work, and how proper planning can prevent family fights and delays in medical care.

Not Paying Child Support? Legal Remedies That Actually Work

On this episode of Life, Law, & Lattes, attorney Nadia Gilkes explains what to do when a parent stops paying child support and why having a court order is the essential first step.
She outlines enforcement options—wage garnishment, license or passport suspension, fines, and even jail—advises how to document missed payments and violations, and stresses the importance of following court-ordered payment methods so you have proof.
Nadia also discusses the personal consequences of bringing enforcement actions and offers practical tips for protecting your children and building a clear paper trail for court.

Missing for 24 Years — An Update on Michelle Hundley Smith

Host Nadia Gilkes returns with a follow-up on Michelle Hundley Smith, who disappeared in 2001 and was recently found living in a rural trailer near the state border. The episode covers the family’s reactions, new details about an old DWI case, and Smith’s upcoming court appearance on March 26.
Nadia also discusses a separate high-profile Utah murder trial, noting unusual courtroom behavior, strange lawyering, and juror concerns, and shares her reactions and plans to follow both stories.

Vanished on a Christmas Errand: A 24‑Year Mystery

Host Nadia Gilkes recounts the true story of Michelle Hundley Smith, who disappeared in December 2001 after saying she was going Christmas shopping and never returned. The episode covers the delayed missing-person report, the possible impact on her children, and a recent lead that located her in another state decades later.
Nadia explores the family's mixed emotions, the unresolved questions about why she left, and reflections on parental duty and resources for overwhelmed caregivers.

When Guardianship Forces a Home Sale

Host Nadia Gilkes recounts a courtroom hearing where an elderly woman under guardianship faced the sale of her family home to pay for care, highlighting the emotional family pushback and the court-supervised bidding process.
This episode is a concise wake-up call about the high cost of long-term care and the importance of proactive estate planning—powers of attorney, trusts, and professional advice—to protect your assets and preserve your legacy.

From Divorce to Aloha: Making Love Visible with June Dillinger

Host Nadia Gilkes shares a festival flashback interview with June Dillinger about her book The Benefit of the Ex, born from her divorce and a self-development class. June explains how taking responsibility, using reflective "invitations," and choosing love helped her heal and rebuild.
The episode covers book launch success, practical tips for recording audiobooks, June’s work performing weddings in Hawaii, and her mission of "making love visible" in everyday life.

Prenups, Reality TV and Comebacks: Lessons from Kandi & Todd

Host Nadia Gilkes returns from a brief break to unpack the high‑profile Kandi and Todd split, using their story to explain prenuptial agreements, duress, custody limits, and spousal support.
She offers practical legal tips: be transparent about assets, get independent counsel, start prenup talks at least 3–6 months before the wedding, and have an estate plan. Nadia also discusses co‑parenting options that prioritize children's stability and the emotional realities of divorce.

When Headlines Hurt: Tylenol, Misinformation, and Parents Left Reeling

In this episode, host Nadia Gilkes responds to a recent press conference claiming a link between Tylenol and autism, expressing concern about misinformation and the silence of medical professionals, and reflecting on the impact this has on parents and guardians of autistic loved ones.
She offers reassurance that parents are not at fault, acknowledges the daily struggles of caregivers, and invites listeners to reach out for resources or questions.

Nursing Homes are NOT a prison!

In this episode of Life, Law, & Lattes, host Nadia Gilkes discusses the different elder care living facilities and empowers family members to be an active participant in their loved ones’ care plans. Please follow eLegal Cafe on facebook. If you have a question or comment you want addressed in a future episode, you can reach the host by emailing Nadia at eLegal Cafe (dot) com.

Get Your Parents' Affairs in Order: A Practical Caregiving Roadmap

Attorney Nadia Gilkes answers a listener’s question about organizing aging parents’ affairs, covering powers of attorney, reviewing estate documents, and how to have difficult conversations about finances and medical care.
She offers practical steps—check medications and mail, document bills and insurance, improve home safety, and consider life or long‑term care insurance if parents won’t share details—and stresses: start as soon as possible, preferably while parents are healthy. Nadia also points listeners to prior episodes on powers of attorney and a one‑sheet of quick tips.