The $8,000 Lesson: Why Choosing the Right Estate Planner Matters
By Janet O’Neal
The weight of grief was heavy in the room when I met Mr. Thompson. A soft-spoken man in his late sixties, he sat across from me, clutching a neatly organized binder—his and his late wife’s estate plan. His eyes held the familiar look of someone who had recently lost a life partner—not just sorrow, but an overwhelming sense of uncertainty about what to do next.
“I went to an attorney,” he began, his voice laced with worry. “They told me I need a trust administration. Said it’d cost about $8,000. I just don’t know if I can afford that right now.”
The words hit me like a warning bell. Eight thousand dollars for what, exactly? Trust and estate management? I took a deep breath, carefully opening his binder. Over the years, I’ve helped countless families navigate estate matters, and I’ve seen everything from well-crafted plans to absolute disasters. But what I found in front of me was a perfectly funded probate avoidance trust—meticulously executed, with all assets properly titled. His wife had done everything right before she passed.
I looked up. “Mr. Thompson, I have good news. You don’t need a trust administration.”
He blinked. “I don’t?”
“No. Your wife made sure of that. Everything is set up correctly. The probate court avoidance trust automatically transfers everything to you as the surviving spouse. There’s nothing an attorney needs to ‘administer.’”
The relief in his face was instant. His shoulders, once stiff with stress, sank as he exhaled. “But why would they tell me I needed one?”
That was the million-dollar question—or, in this case, the $8,000 question. Unfortunately, I’ve seen this far too often. Some professionals, rather than guiding grieving families with integrity, see them as easy targets. They use confusing legal jargon, instilling fear that something could go terribly wrong if thousands of dollars aren’t spent. But not everyone needs trust administration. The right estate plan, when properly executed, eliminates that need entirely.
Mr. Thompson’s wife had done everything she was supposed to. She had consulted a trusted professional, ensured their assets were properly titled, and left behind a plan that worked exactly as intended. It was a testament to the importance of not just estate planning, but good estate planning—done by someone who truly has the client’s best interest at heart.
I handed Mr. Thompson his binder back with a reassuring smile. “You’re exactly where you need to be. There’s nothing to worry about.”
He looked down at his late wife’s careful work, then back at me. “She always said she wanted to make things easy for me when she was gone. I guess she really did.”
I nodded. “She absolutely did.”
Compassionate Guidance When You Need It Most
At CA Wills and Trusts, we believe estate planning isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about protection. It’s about ensuring your loved ones aren’t burdened with unnecessary expenses or legal battles. And most importantly, it’s about working with someone who will guide you honestly, not take advantage of what you don’t know.
We specialize in helping families navigate the complexities of estate planning and trust administration with honesty, compassion, and clarity. We know that losing a loved one is already overwhelming, and the last thing grieving families need is unnecessary legal fees and confusion. That’s why we take the time to explain everything in plain language, ensuring our clients fully understand their options before making decisions.
At CA Wills and Trusts, our mission is simple: to give families peace of mind—before and after the loss of a loved one. Whether it’s reviewing existing estate plans, ensuring a trust is properly executed, or providing ethical and cost-effective solutions, we are here to help.
Before you pay thousands for a service, ask questions. Get a second opinion. Because when done right, an estate plan should give you peace of mind—not an $8,000 bill you don’t need.
For a free consultation, contact CA Wills and Trusts at (833) 500-2009.