Legal Education

When Estate Planning Documents Say One Thing—and Mean Another

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When Estate Planning Documents Say One Thing—and Mean Another

Two recent conversations at Summit, one about blended family planning and one about trust language, highlight a challenge that shows up more often than attorneys might expect: clients and even attorneys sometimes read estate planning documents more literally than the drafters intended. This article explores how terms like “equal” and “irrevocable” can create real confusion and why helping clients understand how a plan actually functions matters just as much as how carefully it was drafted.

A Hole in Hackman’s Plan

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Eugene Allen Hackman enjoyed a prolific acting career that spanned several decades. In a bizarre sequence of events, seemingly ripped from a movie script, his death raised questions and exposed some flaws in both his end-of-life planning and his Estate Plan. Gene’s final act didn’t result in a happy ending, but rather a tragic tale full of warnings to those who care to listen.

Declare Your Independence From Intestacy

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Declare Your Independence From Intestacy

Every Fourth of July, we celebrate the right to determine our own destiny. Yet many Americans leave some of life’s most important decisions to state intestacy laws by failing to create an Estate Plan. This Independence Day, learn why declaring your independence from intestacy may be one of the most meaningful gifts you can leave for the people you love.

That Would Never Happen: The Most Dangerous Words in Estate Planning

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That Would Never Happen The Most Dangerous Words in Estate Planning

One of the most common—and dangerous—phrases in Estate Planning is “that would never happen.” This article explores how assumptions about family dynamics, relationships, and behavior often lead to unintended conflict, litigation, and failed plans. By examining where these assumptions break down, both attorneys and families can build Estate Plans designed to withstand real-world challenges.

When Estate Planning Fails: Family Infighting and the $10 Billion Lakers Sale

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When Estate Planning Fails Family Infighting and the $10 Billion Lakers Sale

The recent $10 billion sale of the Los Angeles Lakers provides a powerful cautionary tale about Estate Planning, family conflict, and business succession. Despite a sophisticated Trust designed to keep ownership in the Buss family, structural flaws and sibling rivalries ultimately dismantled Jerry Buss’s legacy. This case illustrates why even well-drafted Estate Plans can fail when they ignore real-world dynamics. Learn the critical lessons every family business owner should consider before it’s too late.

Trustee Selection: Why It Matters and How to Get It Right

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Trustee Selection Why It Matters and How to Get It Right

Selecting a trustee is one of the most important—and most misunderstood—decisions in Estate Planning. While many individuals focus on who will receive their assets and how those assets will be distributed, far fewer consider the impact the Trustee will have on the management and distribution of those assets. This article explores why trustee selection matters, common pitfalls that lead to conflict and litigation, and how thoughtful planning can help preserve both family harmony and a lasting legacy.

Balancing Efficiency and Excellence: The Perils of Boilerplate in a Busy Estate Planning Practice

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Balancing Efficiency and Excellence

The past few years have brought more people than ever to the world of Estate Planning. Whether prompted by global uncertainty, changes in tax law, or a desire for peace of mind, families and individuals are eager to put their affairs in order. At the same time, attorneys have worked tirelessly to meet that demand—often managing more clients and cases than ever before.
With this increased volume, efficiency has become essential. But in the rush to serve everyone well, it’s important not to sacrifice the careful customization that makes an Estate Plan truly effective. The following article explores how attorneys balance speed and precision—and why the best plans are never “one-size-fits-all.”