Always ask yourself: Will things work out in the end as you really intended? Is this the right thing for me to do at this time?
By James Ward
James Ward
As an estate planning and elder law attorney, I’m in front of clients daily listening to problems with family or friends, or just listening to stories that the people have heard about and want to avoid or prevent happening in their own family.
How can we put a plan in place to protect you and your wishes?
I ask clients whether they have any adult children. If so, I then ask if they trust all of them or any of them. The answers are generally: 1) Of course, they’re our kids!; or 2) We trust one of them.; or 3) Not a chance!
People say that money changes people, or that money is the root of all evil. Well, in my opinion, there are good people and bad people. And some “good” people go “bad” when there is enough money at stake.
I heard something recently that stuck in my mind and should stick in yours:
Money doesn’t change people; it just reveals who they really are.
Think about it, repeat it, and let it soak in. Be very careful about who you trust with authority over your home, accounts, or other assets, and be careful about making loans or gifts when people want money from you while you’re still living.
Always ask yourself: Will things work out in the end as you really intended? Is this the right thing for me to do at this time?
