Morris Thompson

The five stages of grief also apply to survivors. A different kind of acceptance.

Quite often, family and friends offer eulogies and memories by telling each other how much they loved the person who has passed. I wonder, did they express that love as passionately during their life? Don't save your words of love for strangers - share it now with your loved ones.

The desire to avoid probate can trick people into bad decisions without the assistance of an estate planning attorney.

Doing nothing is simple in the moment. Your family will be upset at the complexity that follows.

Friends, your honesty is often more comforting than a random solution.

When you have a well stated Will or Trust, the document should speak for itself. Without a Will or Trust, the universe and State Legislatures will figure it out for you.

There are no do overs when planning for death. Your family will be grateful when you do.

A synonym for "blended" is "litigation". The death of a spouse in a blended family can be an emotional and forensic nightmare without proper planning. Assumptions and expectations can be destroyed.