Many practitioners are called on to help their clients plan for retirement, but these same practitioners often have trouble slowing down their own work schedules and making the transition into retirement. In his Tips From the Pros column, “The Final Phase of My Practice: The 4-3 Model,” p. 9, Louis S. Harrison, in his signature humorous fashion, suggests ways practitioners can set boundaries for their work lives and start taking steps toward retirement. The only point I disagree with is his assertion that once the decision is made to retire, there will be “no more reading Trusts & Estates.” I’m certain that even in retirement, everyone will want to continue reading our beloved magazine.
Practitioners are also often called on to help clients at an even more sensitive and critical juncture—when clients are near death and require last minute tune-ups to their estate plans. In their article, “Planning at the Eleventh Hour: Part II,” p. 12, David A. Handler and Kristen A. Curatolo discuss overlooked planning opportunities and emerging planning issues. They also provide a 30-Point Checklist to use as a reference guide in this situation.
I’d also like to welcome some new experts who’ve joined the Fiduciary Professions Committee on our editorial advisory board. Todd A. Flubacher is a partner at Morris Nichols Arsht & Tunnell LLP in Wilmington, Del. His article on pre-mortem validation techniques and no-contest clauses recently appeared in our March 2019 issue. Professor Robert H. Sitkoff is a John L. Gray Professor of Law at Harvard Law School in Cambridge, Mass. He’s a prolific and often cited writer on estate-planning issues. We’re very pleased to have both these accomplished individuals on our board.
Finally, check out our Art, Auctions & Antiques special report for the latest updates from the art world.