Introduction: A Real Client, A Real Challenge
At O’Flaherty Law, we believe every case tells a story. This is the story of Susan, a recently widowed grandmother and retired elementary school teacher, who came to us at one of the most vulnerable points in her life. After losing her husband of nearly 40 years, Susan was left facing not only emotional grief but a maze of outdated legal documents and unanswered questions about the future of her estate.
She wasn’t looking for legal jargon or overwhelming paperwork. She wanted peace of mind. She wanted to know her kids wouldn’t fight over her home, that her grandkids would be taken care of, and if anything happened to her, someone she trusted could speak for her. What Susan needed was guidance—and a plan.
Background: The Legal Problem
When Susan contacted our intake team, she was overwhelmed and unsure if her old estate plan would still work for her family. Years ago, she and her husband had executed a basic will that named each other as beneficiaries. At the time, it was enough. But now that he was gone and her financial picture had changed significantly—with new retirement accounts, refinancing on her home, and grandkids to consider—she knew she needed help making sure everything was in order.
Her biggest fear was probate. She had recently watched her best friend go through a long court process after a family member passed away. Susan didn’t want her kids to go through the same confusion and expense. She was also deeply committed to setting aside funds for her grandkids' education and wanted to make sure her daughter, a nurse, would be legally able to make health decisions if needed.
Key Case Information
Susan was an individual client seeking estate planning services in DuPage County, Illinois. The case ran from March 2023 to May 2023, during which we provided legal counsel, drafted new documents, and coordinated with her financial institutions to implement a modern estate plan.
Our Strategy
From the very beginning, our team of attorneys listened. We asked questions about her family dynamics, financial priorities, and medical preferences. Susan shared stories about her kids, her late husband, and the values she wanted to pass on. These conversations weren’t just helpful—they were essential to creating a plan that truly reflected her wishes.
We started by reviewing Susan’s existing documents. Her will didn’t account for changes in home ownership, new retirement savings, or updated beneficiary designations. We explained how a revocable living trust could help her avoid probate entirely and give her family a faster, more private way to inherit assets.
Once she was comfortable with the plan, we created a living trust and transferred her primary assets—her home, checking and savings accounts, and investment portfolio—into it. We also drafted a new will that would “pour over” any remaining assets into the trust at her passing. We covered all her bases.
Next we addressed incapacity planning. We prepared updated powers of attorney for both healthcare and finances and named her daughter as her primary agent. We worked with Susan to notify her doctors and banks of the changes so her daughter would face no delays if ever called to step in.
Throughout the process, we stayed in close contact. Every document was explained in plain English. Every concern was addressed. Susan left each meeting more confident and at ease than the last.
The Result: A Win for Our Client
In just under two months, Susan had a fully updated and legally sound estate plan. Her assets were now protected within a trust, her kids had clear guidance on her wishes, and her grandkids were included in education provisions that reflected her lifelong commitment to learning.
When it was all done, Susan told us she felt like a weight had been lifted. She no longer feared what would happen if something unexpected occurred, because now she had a plan. She had confidence that her family would be taken care of and her legacy would carry forward exactly how she intended.
Why It Matters
Estate planning isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about protecting what matters most. Susan’s case reminds us that peace of mind doesn’t come from complexity. It comes from clarity, compassion, and thoughtful preparation.
This case is also a testament to our approach. We don’t use cookie-cutter documents or rush clients through a checklist. We take the time to understand our clients’ stories, offer meaningful guidance, and provide legal support that makes a difference in their lives.