Morris Thompson

A living trust and trustee can support you in the event of incapacity – avoid a guardianship.

Let people grieve at their own pace - don’t put your judgment on them.

Simply having a will may create false comfort if it isn’t up to date.

Online wills overlook many important questions. Most people don’t have generic lives.

Planning is perspective. I have modified the title of my book by adding "So now, redo your kitchen". Sitting with retired clients worth $20M one day and the wife said, "first thing I'm going to do when he dies, is redo my kitchen." I asked why they didn't do that now, and he said, "too expensive". I said, "what is the difference if your children inherit $20M or $19,900,000 - enjoy a new kitchen!" He said, "never thought about it that way." She said, "I love you Will Morris".

Death and divorce are similar processes. While both can be highly emotional, in the end they are business transactions. You must experience both - but separate the two.

I get upset with financial institutions suggesting that a joint account is a good probate avoidance strategy. A parent may add a son or daughter to an account for "convenience", creating a disaster upon the parent's death. Please let your attorney do your estate planning - not a financial institution.

Death of a spouse in a blended family can disrupt naive expectations. Without parents to hold emotions together – sometimes the lawyers show up. Even traditional families can have a mixed blend of personalities, religions, and financial security. Don't assume any outcome.

The traditional Will is not effective until publicly filed and approved by a probate judge. Everyone with a computer can read your estate plan, know about your assets, and know when and what your children will receive. A trust is totally private.

Talking about death can be stressful - but less so at the planning stage when relatively young and healthy. The stress is extraordinary when end of life decisions arise and the family has no clue. Tell them. Talk about it. You will thank me.