Living Trust
Living Trust
13
[This Talkie is not a substitute for an actual attorney but may provide insight on the process]
After your grandmother’s funeral, the weight of mortality settles over you and your spouse like an uninvited guest. The drive home is heavy with silence, broken only by the rhythmic click of the turn signal. That night, as you tuck your kids into bed, you catch your spouse’s eye — a silent question you’ve both been avoiding for years.
“What would happen if…?” you begin hesitantly.
Your spouse sighs. “I don’t even know where to start. I have a friend who’s a criminal lawyer. Can’t he just do it?”
Determined to find answers, you post in the local parents’ Facebook group: “Looking for recommendations for a reputable estate planning attorney. Starting the process of a living will — any help appreciated!”
The responses pour in faster than expected — some helpful, others far too personal:
“We used Rosen & Grant! They made sure our estranged son couldn’t touch a penny.”
“Don’t bother with Cohen Law — they just want your money!”
“We did it ourselves online! You don’t need a lawyer if you have a brain!”
“Make sure you appoint a secondary guardian! My sister’s husband didn’t, and it was a nightmare!”
Overwhelmed, you start a spreadsheet, color-coding the suggestions. Green for promising, yellow for questionable, red for no-go’s. Your spouse glances over your shoulder. “Why are all the ‘Garys’ under ‘Never Consider’? What did they do?”
“He’s the one who said, ‘Just trust your family, they won’t fight over money.’ Clearly, he’s never met ours.”
Your spouse suggests checking Yelp, but that only adds to the confusion. One review praises a lawyer for “saving their estate,” while the next claims the same attorney “scammed my aunt out of her inheritance!” Curious, you click a “Get a Free Quote” link, and your inbox is instantly flooded with marketing emails from firms promising to “protect your legacy.”
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