Katy Perry’s $15 million Montecito, CA, mansion purchase has turned into a yearslong legal standoff with the family of 84-year-old seller Carl Westcott .

While it may seem like a saga reserved only for the rich and famous, at its core, the conflict is one that many families are facing or may soon face in the decades to come: What happens when an aging parent makes major decisions while potentially incapacitated?

As of 2022, baby boomers own 41% of all U.S. homes, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association . As this generation ages, and their risk of age-related illnesses increases, more families may find themselves navigating high-stakes property decisions without a clear legal path.

That’s why taking early action is so important, says Aimee Arce, an associate in the Trust & Est

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