ABA Estates and Trusts Symposium, Washington, DC 2011

I just got back from the ABA Spring Trusts and Estates Symposium.

What a wonderful city. Everyone we met was friendly. My wife and I were walking on the street when she noticed she had lost her umbrella. A woman passing by overheard us talking. She stopped and took out an umbrella from her bag and offered it to my wife. I can’t imagine that happening anywhere else.

Washington’s beauty and hospitality have not gone unnoticed. It is one of the cities we have most frequently visited. We enjoyed excellent restaurants like the Birch and Barley. It serves wonderful food, deserts and over 550 different types of beer. Gulp!

I heard excellent legal presentations and have papers from the symposium to read. Here is one of the key messages I took away from the symposium:

Estate Planning Will Undergo Fundamental Change

The roles lawyers play in giving advice as counsellors-at-law will become paramount.

People will need advice, not just legal forms and estate planning documents prepared. Lawyers can help clients obtain proper care as they age. Who will manage the services or service providers that clients will need as they grow older?

This is a real issue for those who have no family or have relatives who are thousands of miles away.

I learned there is a national association of professional geriatric care managers hoping to fill that gap. You will want to check out their website, aginglifecare.org

Posted In: Estates, Executors, Powers of Attorney, Wills On: May 5th, 2011

“I want to thank Ed and his firm for getting me through a very difficult time. He was recommended to me by another lawyer and I am grateful for that recommendation. Ed kept me grounded, listened to me, counseled me and supported me. I do so appreciate that. And he is worth every penny. Thank you!” - Claudia R, Toronto

“Thank you for your professional advice and lawyering while I was planning my will, all accompanied with your patience and a sense of humour.” - Valerie G, Toronto

“Ed is a "straight shooter" who tells it like it is and helps you make the best possible decisions in your circumstances. I've personally seen the "magic" he can work in an estate and recommend him without reservation to anyone who wants an iron clad will or estate advice and management that saves money, frayed nerves and friendships.” - Jim R, Burlington

I have used Edward Olkovich for my own Will and I was the executor of my Brother-in-law’s will. My brother-in-law had a terminal illness and Edward had us devise his Will to minimize taxes and problems. Ed is located locally @ Jane and Bloor. He was very knowledgeable, friendly and thorough and has written many books on the subject. - Belinda M, Toronto

Ed is a thorough, responsive estates lawyer who I would recommend to anyone when needing a will or dealing with estate issues. - Eva S, Toronto

Dear Ed and “Team Olkovich” “Thank you for your knowledge, expertise and hard work to make our executor duties (almost) stress-free. Will miss the laughs and stories you tell so well. All our appreciation always!” - Pat, Dave & John, Toronto

Dear Ed, Thank you for all your wisdom and kindness throughout the process of settling Ann’s Estate. - Cheryl, Toronto

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