By Tim Barkley. March 2016. The smartphone on the desk erupted in a coruscant display and intermittent insistent buzzing. The readout said “Mrs. Jones.” “Good afternoon, this is Tim,” intoned the lawyer. “How can I help you, Mrs. Jones?” There was a silence. “Hello,...
By Tim Barkley. February 2016. In beginning the estate planning process, your estate planning attorney should begin by getting to know you. Planning is for people. It is not a technician’s exercise in efficiency, though it must be both effective and efficient....
By Tim Barkley. January 2016. The voice on the lawyer’s phone was generally steady, but shook now and then. “This is Mrs. Jones. My husband just died last week. What do I need to do?” The lawyer offered condolences – even though he had not known the Joneses, he...
By Tim Barkley. December 2015. The text message was from Susan: “How much can my fiancé’s mom give away in a year?” I called her back. Some things are best handled in person. “What’s up?” “Thanks for calling right back! My fiancé’s mom wants to give money to her kids...
By Timothy S. Barkley, Sr. October 2015. “You gotta be kidding!” Her voice was excited as she looked down at the test results. “We’re pregnant! After trying and trying … we’re finally pregnant!” He smiled and grasped her hand, squeezed softly. Their eyes met and both...
By Timothy S. Barkley, Sr. June 2015. The vacation is all planned, tickets bought, pet sitters engaged, but … “Hon, did we ever sign that will?” “What will? The one you downloaded? No, because we could never figure out the thing for the kids’ money.” “Oh, yeah. Well,...
