Lessons From Fisk: Hoarding, Tech and the Post-It Note is Your Friend

Lessons From Fisk: Hoarding, Tech and the Post-It Note is Your Friend

By Melinda Gustafson Gervasi

December 15, 2023

Episode Four of Season One of the Australian comedy Fisk is filled to the brim the take-aways.  First, there is a plot line about addressing the post-death cleanup of a hoarder (or "rubbish bin challenged individual as coined by Ray Gruber).  When the executor of the estate is not coping well with the clean-up, Gruber & Gruber brings in a temp worker to lend a hand.  The take-away here, purge what you can now in life to make handling your final affairs easier on your loved ones.  Also, if you are find yourself in the role of cleaning up the final affairs for someone who did not get this message, remember, you can outsource some of these tasks.  

Second, Helen when faced with the possibly of having to argue in court, turns to her father for help.  Helen's father, Anthony Fisk, is a retired Australian Supreme Court Justice.  Along with his life partner, Viktor (who was previously the justice's Tipstaff (in Australia this is a role that assists justices with complex legal research and other court functions), the two help Helen prepare for oral arguments.  The key to success is the post-it note.  The take-away here is to organize your paperwork for quick and efficient action.  The more organized you are, the more likely you will be to have a successful outcome when processing final affairs. 

And third, the show highlights the explosion of tech in our lives and how it can linger after death.  In this episode Helen has a new client that is receiving texts from her deceased husband.  Upset and perplexed, she hires Gruber & Associates to handle the matter. Helen bumbles her way through the quickly evolving role of tech in our lives and ends up with a good result from her client.  The take-away here is to think about your online life now and how it may linger after your death, causing pain and discomfort for your loved ones.  Use those organization skills to leave a quick and simple list of your digital foot-print and tips on how to turn it off when needed. 

Thank you for reading.  Follow along by clicking "Follow" in the upper right corner and enter your email address.  Also, remember that a blog is meant to spark thought and reflection.  A blog is not legal advice.  Please seek counsel from an attorney licensed in your state of residence for advice specific to your situation.  Be well.