Chapter 18 - The Estate Plan
Naomi made me wait six months before rewriting entire estate plan.
“You’re angry.”
“Yes.”
“Anger is not best drafting attorney.”
“I thought you were.”
“I’m excellent. You are client problem.”
I laughed.
By then revocation of TOD deed already stood.
Brokerage beneficiary still under review after Brian’s attempted change.
I restored sole control.
Then decided what happened when I died.
Old plan:
Everything to Brian.
New plan:
Not everything.
I did not disinherit him completely.
Why?
I asked myself for months.
Marie would have wanted consequences.
She also would have hated decisions made only from vengeance.
I created trust.
At my death:
A fixed $50,000 legacy to Brian if he survives me, reduced by any unpaid judgments or debts owed to me.
No house.
No control of estate.
No trustee role.
Remaining estate:
Half to scholarship fund for children of hourly workers at Black Hawk Meats and two neighboring plants.
Quarter to local food bank and worker emergency fund.
Quarter to nieces/nephews? I said Brian only had maybe distant relatives. Could designate Marie's niece and Frank's goddaughter? Better create two education funds for grand-nieces. But user said Brian all I had left emotionally, not literally. Could use charity and one small family. Let's say remainder 50% worker scholarship, 25% food bank, 25% to a trust for any future grandchildren or if none then scholarship. Since Brian has no kids yet. Good.
If Brian later had children, grandchildren should not inherit punishment automatically.
I created descendant education trust independent from Brian.
Naomi nodded.
“That’s thoughtful.”
“Don’t sound surprised.”
“I’m a lawyer. Surprise is billable.”
I also executed new power of attorney naming:
Naomi temporarily? Attorneys often not agent maybe. Better trusted cousin Ellen Dawson, 64, and professional fiduciary backup.
Healthcare agent:
My sister Ellen.
Brian excluded.
May you like
Not because forever hated.
Because authority requires trust.
