Who and I and Why Am I Doing This?

I've now been practicing estate and trust law for over three decades. During this time I have experienced estate plans that work perfectly and those that only cause emotional and financial problems for all involved. In this blog I intend to post thoughts and experiences that may stimulate the readers to avoid or solve problems. While every individual and family is unique, situations in estates have been recurring for decades, nee centuries. Parents and children see the world through very different eyes. Couples may intend the best for each other, or they may not. Special situations arise which make all previous plans obsolute. I will set out my thoughts and opinions. You may take them for what you think they are worth. I do not intend to give specific legal advice for a specific situation. For that, the reader should seek competent counsel. I would hope that these notes may make such discussions a little bit more productive and valuable for both the layman and the professional.