Life, Law, & Lattes

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Host Nadia Gilkes breaks down essential premarital conversations for couples blending households—covering education choices, finances, custody, parenting, and lifestyle expectations.
She urges clear agreements, early communication, and premarital counseling or therapy where needed to reduce conflict and protect the family’s future.

On Life, Law & Lattes, Attorney Nadia Gilkes urges clients to be completely honest with their lawyers—holding back or lying can blindside your legal team and weaken your defense.
Full disclosure lets your attorney prepare for issues that may arise in court and build the strongest possible strategy, even when the truth is messy.

Host Nadia Gilkes reflects on the Emma and Bruce Willis documentary to explore real-life caregiving challenges. She covers three key takeaways: the high monetary and emotional costs of care, where to find practical resources, and how to accept help and decide about long-term care or moving a loved one.
The episode offers concrete suggestions—assess care needs and hourly costs, build a support plan, consider creative staffing or paid caregiver programs, and plan for facility transitions when necessary—while urging caregivers to practice self-care and involve family in planning.