The Art of Estate Planning - Continued

Sidebar:  I feel compelled to address another important topic:  Attorneys.  Unfortunately a fairly large percentage of the public has a bad image of attorneys; some of which I will admit is not unwarranted.  However, there are a lot of knowledgeable caring professionals out there who are committed to serving their clients and making major contributions to the community.  Please do not indict the entire profession because a few bad attorneys have gotten a lot of press over the years.  Please do not be afraid to seek counsel in any area of the law because of this.  There are many, many, good attorneys, in all fields of the law, who understand the responsibilities that are placed upon them in their various roles.  After all, attorneys assist with many of the most important events in our lives including the purchase of a home and other property, the establishment, preservation or sale of a business, employment issues, marriage issues, and the adoption of children.  Thomas Bacon is famous in part for the following quote "Knowledge is power."  Knowledge that is utilized and properly applied is even more powerful.  Many lawyers have an awful lot of knowledge and understand how to properly use it.  Why not empower yourself? 

As I above indicated, I do not believe in "Form Planning."  "Form Planning" means deciding which boiler plate forms should be taken off the shelf and used for a particular individual.  "Form Planning" in my mind is boring for the attorney.  More importantly, it is a disservice to the client.  After all, we are all unique and have our unique sets of circumstances, dreams, fears, and aspirations.

"Estate Planning" in my mind transcends drafting documents.  Those who believe in peddling documents do not understand what true estate planning is about.  Estate planning, in part, helps individuals articulate their expressed and unexpressed dreams, fears, aspirations, and objectives in a legally appropriate fashion. 

This information was prepared by Lena Barnett & Associates, LLC and is intended only to provide general information. It is neither offered nor intended for use as legal advice, nor is it a substitute for a consultation with an attorney.

© 2006 Lena Barnett & Associates, L.L.C. All Rights Reserved

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