This Daily Mail (British newspaper) article on the reclusive New York heiress Huguette Clark caught my attention recently. Despite being a wealthy New York socialite with opulent homes around the country, she opted to live a reclusive lifestyle for some 80 years. She executed one Will leaving her estate to her family, some cousins. Two weeks later, she executed another Will leaving her estate mainly to a foundation run by her lawyer and accountant, while entirely disinheriting her family. John Grisham fans may recall some parallels to the opening of his bestselling novel The Testament, though fortunately Ms. Clark died of natural causes and old age, not foul play or suicide (as Mr. Grisham’s imagined testator died in the opening chapter). If I can help you or a loved one execute a Will, revise your Will, or discuss your estate planning needs, call or email me at your convenience.

(c) 2011, Stephen M. Johnson, Esq.