When my wife and I married on a beautiful pink beach in Bermuda, I was twenty-five years old with an estate that consisted of, well, not much.


Two kids and twenty-one years later, we returned to Bermuda last week to celebrate our anniversary. It was a great family vacation that was also a great time to reflect.

In the 7,665 days between those two trips, a lot has happened. Clearly, my family has grown. Fortunately, so have my assets. (Which is good as I have college-age children.)

In some ways it feels like the years have passed in the blink of an eye. But, in reality, it’s been more of an evolution, often with change happening when I least expect it. It wasn't so long ago that running to the ER with a feverish toddler was the most stressful thing in the word. Now, it’s the thought of that same child behind the wheel of a car.

Much as I recommend to my clients, I’ve allowed my estate planning to keep up as best as it can with my concerns. For instance, when children are small, guardianship and education are big issues. Then, as children grow older, trusts for college and decisions regarding future spouses make their way into the picture.

Sure, my big decisions haven’t always been black and white. But then again, neither is life. Or marriage for that matter. That’s why I make it a priority to bring foresight for future needs into today’s concerns, and maintain relationships that allow clients to feel comfortable making changes as they become necessary. And sooner or later, they eventually will.  

With the national divorce rate hovering around 50%, I feel blessed to celebrate so many years of love with my family. I also feel blessed to work in estate planning, which I truly believe is an act of love also worth celebrating. What else would you call taking care of your family and your assets?

It’s no wonder the divorce rate of my clients is less than 1%.


To that, I’ll raise an umbrella drink. Whether or not my toes are in the pink sands of Bermuda.