Planning in advance allows a family to grieve when someone passes – avoiding calling an attorney to start a court case; avoiding arguments with other family members; sparing expense for funeral/cremations.

One of my greatest victories is when a client calls after a loved one has died and I can reassure them that all is taken care of and nothing needs to be done until they’re ready.

Revocable trusts are just that – revocable; can be changed, modified, dissolved s long as the person who established it is living; they are excellent vehicles to be sure assets go to children as minors cannot inherit until they’re 18.

I’m always honored when people are inspired by my having gone to law school and point out someone who was there with me who had big hurdles to overcome to get where they wanted to be.

If you want something badly enough, it can happen.

Planning is about taking care of your family later. Sometimes people disinherit family members, and that can be tough.

How does each work? What is the purpose of each?

My previous career was in life coaching – asking difficult questions and helping people answer them.

This capacity is very helpful in my legal practice as there are often questions that need to be asked that can appear threatening to the person being asked – do I choose this child or that child or someone not related. I’m able to ask with empathy, diminishing the scariness of the question.

When a person gets one second after midnight on their 18th birthday – it’s time. It doesn’t matter if you think you own anything, it matters most at this point to appoint someone to help with finances and health if need be – powers of attorney and advanced health directives, and a Last Will is a good thing since we’re never promised tomorrow.

First, decide it’s time. Then pull together everything you own, tangible, intangible and then decide who you want to have represent you for possibilities while you’re alive (financial, health) and for after you pass.

These are difficult conversations that need to be had.

What’s the difference? When does each come into play?