There’s an old Yiddish phrase, ‘un kinder aus yachsen mit bupkes ist immer bupkis!’—a child from a distinguished heritage with nothing is still nothing.
This raises important considerations in estate planning: How do we ensure that an inheritance doesn’t take away a child’s drive and ambition?

Physicians and lawyers often face frustration when patients or clients rely on misleading TV ads or Internet research. Such information lacks context and can be dangerous. Trust experienced, board-certified professionals for tailored advice.

Dealing with family dynamics in estate planning can be challenging. When siblings don’t get along, critical decisions about the estate can lead to disputes. Learn how to handle this and other common issues in estate planning, and why sometimes a corporate trustee might be the best solution.

In 2021, we lost Aaron T. Beck, the father of cognitive behavioral therapy, who identified patterns of negative thinking in his patients, and as an estate planning attorney, I often encounter similar fatalistic traits in clients’ loved ones, which require self-recognition and treatment.

Several times a year, I receive urgent calls for estate planning help, often involving loved ones in the ICU, highlighting the dangers of procrastination and the necessity of timely legal preparation for health crises and asset distribution.

I usually discourage procrastination, but after losing a spouse, it’s important to avoid making major decisions immediately, such as selling a home or changing financial advisors, while relying on trusted professionals to navigate necessary tasks during the emotional and difficult grieving period.