In Estate Planning, families are at the center of everything. But when a family member’s better judgment is clouded by vices – specifically drug or alcohol addiction – the task of managing an estate can become fraught with conflict.

I met with Ms. Linda and her son, a retired military veteran who cut his career short to care for his mother. She was intent on setting about creating a Last Will and Testament and Power of Attorney document. Ms. Linda’s son knew about honor, having participated in numerous missions. And that extended to his instinct to honor and care for his mom.

When a loved one is lost, sometimes physical reminders become all the more treasured. I’ve seen beautiful blankets made a parent’s old shirts, or stuffed animals made from the linens of a grandparent. But sometimes, when a loss is so great, and a loved one so missed – even before departing this earth – artifacts become almost critical to secure.

The COVID-19 pandemic has spurred many of us to act in different ways. Some have become mask-makers. Others have donated to show appreciation to frontline works. But what happens when COVID-19 hits home? That’s exactly what happened to one of my recent clients.