Lessons from Fisk, Season 2 - Drafting a Will Can Be Boring

Lessons from Fisk, Season 2 - Drafting a Will Can Be Boring

By Melinda Gustafson Gervasi

August 9. 2024

Episode 2 of Season Two of Fisk contains possibly one of my favorite characters - the Millennial who wants to be the first to do a video will, branding it "Willennial".  Upon hearing Attorney Helen Tudor Fisk explain that an Australian will must be in writing, the young women scoffs and says "that's boring", then proceeds to pack-up and leave.  Karma intervenes and the Millennial receives a blunt reminder that life is short, plan while you can.  She rolls up her sleeves and completes a boring will with Helen.

Estate planning can be boring.  It is tedious in nature and revolves around arcane language.  Yet, none of us are not going to die.  Eventually, one day your earthly time will come to an end.  Plan while you can.  Accidents and sudden illnesses happen leaving you either incapacitated and unable to create documents, or you die without any plan at all.  

Here are some steps I use with clients to make this tedious task a bit more tolerable:

1. Break it down into small steps.  For example, start by creating your powers of attorney or updating your beneficiary forms.
2. Educate yourself.  When I work with clients there is a heavy dose of "teaching" going on.  Take the time to learn the language of estate planning.  For example, "issue" means your offspring by birth or adoption, forever.  
3. Work with a Buddy.  As the attorney I function as an accountability coach.  If you choose to do this on your own, consider aligning with a sibling or friend to make sure you are sticking with the plan.  
4. Treat yourself. Every client in my office is offered a piece of nice chocolate and the end of every meeting.  I joke "if you had to meet with me today, you deserve some chocolate!"  A reward is a great was to power through tedious work.

Remember that a blog is not legal advice.  It is a platform to spark thought and discussion.  Please consult an attorney licensed in your state for advice specific to your situation.  Thank you for reading, and be well!