What happens when grief, inheritance, and old family rivalries collide? In this third episode of our “Legacy in Motion” series, Ron Greenwald welcomes elder law attorney Uzzel Branson and veteran mediator Judy Copeland for a no-holds-barred conversation about resolving the most explosive disputes in trusts, estates, and conservatorships. From laugh-out-loud legal war stories to heartfelt breakthroughs between siblings, this episode unpacks the power of mediation to preserve dignity, legacy, and relationships—before the courtroom burns it all down. If you’ve ever wondered how to keep your family out of legal chaos, this is the conversation you can’t afford to miss.

🔔 Subscribe for Part 1 and 2 as we dive deeper into the world of trust litigation and justice for families.

👨‍⚖️ Featuring: Uzzell Branson IV, Trust & Estate Litigator
🎙️ Host: Ron Greenwald
🎧 Podcast: The Ron Greenwald Show

⏱️ Timestamps:
0:00 – Welcome + Meet Judy Copeland
1:40 – What Is Probate Mediation?
2:30 – Mediation vs. Arbitration Explained
4:10 – Family Dynamics in Legal Disputes
5:10 – The “Bill & Sister” Mediation Story
7:45 – Why Siblings Shouldn’t Be Trustees
9:25 – Beanie Babies and Symbolic Battles
10:00 – Mediation for Tangible Property
12:15 – Clarifying Client Goals in Disputes
14:20 – Writing Legal Briefs that Escalate
16:00 – Most Common Probate Conflict Types
18:00 – Can We Depart from a Parent’s Will?
19:50 – How Long Does Mediation Take?
21:35 – Elder Law Cases Before Lawsuits
24:00 – Mediating Conservatorship Disputes
26:00 – Why Complex Trusts Often Fail
28:40 – “Law Feels Like Witchcraft” Analogy
30:00 – Should You Mediate or Litigate?
31:40 – What Is a Professional Fiduciary?
33:30 – Real Talk on Managing Family Estates
36:00 – Behind the Scenes of Being a Mediator
38:00 – West Coast Resolution: Mediation for Good

Contact:
Ronald L. Greenwald
Broker Associate, MBA, SRES
Sage Legacy Properties | Greenwald Realty Team
DRE 01264025
www.greenwaldrealtyteam.com
🎙️therongreenwaldshow.com
Text 760.390.0149

Uzzel S. Branson IV, Senior Attorney
RMO LLP
(619)323-3200
RMOLawyers.com
Hello@rmolawyers.com
relief@rmolawyers.com
“Please note that communications by you to RMO LLP or any of its lawyers through this website do not create an attorney-client relationship between you and the firm. Do not send any privileged or confidential information to the firm through this e-mail or otherwise until instructed in writing from us to do so.”

“The Fine Line Between Protection and Control”

What happens when the system designed to protect the vulnerable becomes the battleground for family drama, undue influence, and legal maneuvering? In this gripping second installment, Ron Greenwald welcomes back elder law attorney Uzzel S. Branson for a deep dive into California conservatorships—from limited and LPS types to probate disputes and heartbreaking family conflicts. With humor, candor, and real-world insight, Uzzel shares jaw-dropping stories that expose the human and legal complexities behind elder care, estate battles, and the fight for autonomy. Whether you’re a caregiver, professional, or simply planning for the future, this episode delivers essential wisdom on navigating some of life’s most sensitive legal terrain.

🔔 Subscribe for Part 1 and 3 as we dive deeper into the world of trust litigation and justice for families.

👨‍⚖️ Featuring: Uzzell Branson IV, Trust & Estate Litigator

🎙️ Host: Ron Greenwald

🎧 Podcast: The Ron Greenwald Show

⏱️ Timestamps:
0:00 – Welcome Back + Uzzel’s Infamous Intro
1:00 – Defining Conservatorships: Dead, Dying & “Crazy”
2:30 – Power of Attorney vs. Conservatorship
3:20 – California’s Two Types: LPS vs. Probate Conservatorships
6:20 – Limited Conservatorships & Developmental Disabilities
8:45 – Family Conflicts and Conservatorship Petitions
12:00 – Elder Abuse, Scammers, and Legal Gray Areas
15:00 – When Alcoholism Meets Estate Risk
18:00 – LPS Limitations and Involuntary Treatment
20:00 – The Ethics of Inheritance and Intervention
22:40 – Ladle Murder Case & Probate Fallout
27:00 – Conservatorship vs. Trust Disputes
30:00 – Why Planning Documents Can Still Fail
32:00 – Teaching Law, Fatherhood, and Career Legacy
35:30 – Roller Derby, Road Trips, and Real Life
37:00 – Real Conservatorship Case: Mom, Power of Attorney & APS
41:00 – Memory Care vs. Home Care Dilemmas
43:30 – Uzzel's Favorite Outcome: Restoring Family Connection
44:15 – Teaser for Part 3: “Enter the Mediator…”

Contact:

Ronald L. Greenwald

Broker Associate, MBA, SRES

Sage Legacy Properties | Greenwald Realty Team

DRE 01264025

www.greenwaldrealtyteam.com

🎙️therongreenwaldshow.com

Text 760.390.0149

Uzzel S. Branson IV, Senior Attorney

RMO LLP

(619)323-3200

RMOLawyers.com

Hello@rmolawyers.com

relief@rmolawyers.com

“Please note that communications by you to RMO LLP or any of its lawyers through this website do not create an attorney-client relationship between you and the firm. Do not send any privileged or confidential information to the firm through this e-mail or otherwise until instructed in writing from us to do so.”

TAGS:

Ron Greenwald Show, elder law, conservatorships, California probate, LPS conservatorship, limited conservatorship, power of attorney, estate planning, elder abuse, undue influence, trust litigation, family disputes, guardianship, Uzzel Branson, legal storytelling, legacy planning, senior care law, mediation, mental health court, fiduciary law

In this opening episode of a three-part series, we dive into the remarkable personal story of Uzzell S. Branson IV, Senior Attorney at RMO LLP @rmolawyers and a leading voice in trust and estate litigation.

From Revolutionary War roots to generations of Bransons settling in Arkansas, and ultimately to his upbringing in La Cañada, California, Uzzell reflects on the people, places, and pivotal experiences that shaped his values and vocation. This is more than a legal career—it’s a family legacy, carried forward with purpose.

Join us as we uncover the foundation of Uzzell’s journey, setting the stage for Episodes 2 and 3, where we explore how his personal story informs his approach to navigating complex estate and personal disputes and advocating for what’s right.

🔔 Subscribe for Part 2 and 3 as we dive deeper into the world of trust litigation and justice for families.

👨‍⚖️ Featuring: Uzzell Branson IV, Trust & Estate Litigator
🎙️ Host: Ron Greenwald
🎧 Podcast: The Ron Greenwald Show

⏱️ Chapter Timestamps
00:00 – Intro: Dead, Dying, and Crazy
01:15 – Meet Uzzell Branson IV: Career Overview
03:20 – Family Legacy: From Revolutionary War to Arkansas
05:18 – Growing Up in La Cañada, CA
06:46 – UCSD Years & Failed Science Career
08:25 – Working with Bacillus Spores & Bioremediation
09:52 – Introducing JoJo: Emotional Support & Pet Trusts
11:20 – Understanding Conservatorships
12:30 – Law Enforcement vs. Law School
13:08 – First Legal Job: $10/hr Intern
15:57 – Law School at USD & Night Program Hustle
17:33 – Discovering a Passion for Litigation
20:14 – Early Trust Disputes & Learning on the Job
22:48 – The ABCs of Trusts & Estate Administration
24:32 – Why Estate Planning Needs Regular Updates
27:44 – Launching His Own Firm
30:04 – Branson & Branson: A Family Firm
32:31 – Joining RMO LLP
33:59 – Full Circle: Architecture, Arkansas, and Legacy
35:19 – Closing Thoughts: Purpose, Perspective, and What’s Next

Contact:
Ronald L. Greenwald
Broker Associate, MBA, SRES
Sage Legacy Properties | Greenwald Realty Team
DRE 01264025
www.greenwaldrealtyteam.com
🎙️therongreenwaldshow.com
Text 760.390.0149

Uzzel S. Branson IV, Senior Attorney
RMO LLP
(619)323-3200
RMOLawyers.com
Hello@rmolawyers.com
relief@rmolawyers.com
“Please note that communications by you to RMO LLP or any of its lawyers through this website do not create an attorney-client relationship between you and the firm. Do not send any privileged or confidential information to the firm through this e-mail or otherwise until instructed in writing from us to do so.”