Lesson from Grey's Anatomy: Revolutions Don't Schedule Appointments

Lesson from Grey's Anatomy: Revolutions Don't Schedule Appointments

By Melinda Gustafson Gervasi

February 12, 2024

Author's Hoodie -- a Christmas gift, with a touch of cat fur from Law Cat

Confession time, I am one of the fifteen to twenty million loyal viewers of ABC's hit, Grey's Anatomy.  I find the characters' intensity and devotion to a career that must keep learning after the graduation hats are tossed to be similar to my field, the practice of law.  Rarely does an episode cause me to slip into thinking about work; it has proven to be a wonderful way to relax on a night or weekend.  However, recently while watching an episode in Season 17, I found myself nodding when Dr. Richard Webber made a statement to Dr. Jackson Avery -- "Son, revolutions do not make appointments".  The character was commenting on the Black Lives Matter movement that was a part of the show's storyline.

I nodded because I thought to myself "nor does a medical crisis make an appointment".  In my field of estate planning and probate administration I can tell you that the scenarios in which your powers of attorney or will are needed rarely feel planned.  Even for those with a chronic or terminal condition, health events evolve quickly and often erratically.  The lesson I offer from this show is to make an appointment now, during the calm period of life, to create or update your estate plan, which consists of: powers of attorney, a will, and in some cases a form of a trust, as well as documents stating who can make your burial and funeral arrangements. 

While you may be able to complete this task on your own, hiring an attorney to help you cross the finish line may be a smart move.  For many people hiring an attorney is an unpleasant an daunting task.  Rather than leave it up to a Google search, consider these options to help you find someone you trust to help ease the burden:

1. Ask family and friends who live in your area if they had an attorney they worked with.  If they did and it was a positive experience, they'll be happy to share the contact information. And if they had an experience they hated, they will say so as well;
2. Get a referral from your CPA, financial planner or banker.  Likely this professional in your life will have the name of an attorney who operates in a similar fashion, increasing your chances you will enjoy working with the lawyer; and
3. Research the attorney to see if they will be easy to talk with.   See if you can get a feel for how they communicate and what they value.  When it comes to estate planning you will need to speak freely about your family dynamic, health situation and financial position in order to get the most sound advice.

Thank you for reading.  Remember that a blog is not leave advice.  Please consult with an attorney licensed in your home state for advice specific to your situation.  If you have found this helpful, please share it on your preferred social media.  You can also enter your email address above (upper right corner) to receive future posts. Be well!