When multimillionaire Alan Lorenz passed away in 2021, he left behind a fortuneโand a legal nightmare. A former divorce attorney turned top executive in the health and wellness industry, Lorenz built wealth through decades of hard work. But despite his success, his estate plan was anything but buttoned up.
At The Estate Planning Law Center, we say it often: Itโs not how much you haveโitโs how clearly youโve planned. Lorenzโs case is a textbook example of how cutting corners in estate planning can leave behind confusion, court battles, and lasting damage to families.
When Words Arenโt Enough
Just weeks before his passing, Lorenz entered into a civil partnership with his long-time partner, Sheila Caruana. He updated his will, leaving his ยฃ18 million estate entirely to her. Seems straightforward, right?
Not quite. His siblings have since taken the matter to court, claiming he made a verbal promise that Sheila would divide the estate with them. They say this โsecret trustโ was meant to reduce inheritance taxes while still supporting family.
Hereโs the problem: verbal instructions arenโt legal instructions. The court isnโt in the business of guessing what you meant. Itโs in the business of enforcing whatโs in writing.
Why Estate Planning Shortcuts Backfire
If youโve ever thought, โTheyโll know what I wantedโ or โI trust them to do the right thing,โ let this story serve as your wake-up call.
When estate plans are incomplete, informal, or undocumented:
- Heirs can be unintentionally cut out
- Wills get contested, sometimes for years
- Families fight, often permanently
- Tax-saving strategies fall apart
- The estate gets eaten up in legal fees and court costs
The truth? A shortcut in your planning becomes a roadblock for your loved ones.
What You Should Do Instead
Whether your estate is eight figures or just enough to protect the people you love, hereโs how to do it right:
- Work with an experienced estate planning attorney (not a generalist)
- Use legal documentsโnot conversationsโto spell out your wishes
- Create a trust or will thatโs clear, complete, and customized to you
- Name backups and build contingency plans
- Keep everything up to date with lifeโs changes
At The Estate Planning Law Center, we donโt just fill out formsโwe help families design plans that stand the test of time, avoid court, and preserve family peace.
Don’t Let Your Legacy Become a Court Case
Alan Lorenz thought he had things under control. He trusted that everyone โunderstoodโ what he wanted. But understanding isnโt enough in the eyes of the law. His estate is now tangled in litigation, and no oneโs walking away the way he intended.
If youโve put off planning, updated documents years ago, or rely on โtheyโll figure it outโโnow is the time to act.
Register for a Workshop today. Learn what a complete estate plan really looks likeโand how to protect your legacy while you still can.
