8 Tips to Avoid Nasty Estate Surprises

Mr. Moeller,

As an estate planning attorney with 33 years of expereience in this field, I wanted to commend you on a very well written, perceptive and accurate analysis of methods that people can and should use to minimize the risk of litigation and related problems arising when they die. The eight points that you cite are ones that I have tried to encourage my clients to implement time and again, although I frequently see my clients resist when I encourage them to have these open and frank discussions with their children/heirs. Another area that is filled with potential problems is taht of second and third marriages, and the problems that result without proper planning, Prenuptial Agreements, etc. Too often the client is seeking the "simple", economical option, believing that Wills can be simple; however, if the proper questions are not addressed when the client is setting up his/her estate plan, the Will that results will frequently become the subject of protracted, expensive, and divisive litigation. Spend the time and the money necessary to minimize those risks, and do a thorough job of planning what will happen when you die. Thanks again for providing such an excellent summary of this important area.

Louis N. Teti, Esq.

Louis N. Teti of PA 3:26PM November 27, 2009

Im living that now with the passing of my mother, she left all to my sister that hardly ever helped her during her difficult times in her later life. Seems my wife and I are being punished for the help we gave in her final years here on earth. If I had only known what the outcome would bring and what the future holds now. Beware ALL for whats ahead in your situation.

Ashcraft of WV 8:31AM November 25, 2009