When multimillionaire Alan Lorenz passed away in 2021, he left behind a fortune—and 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: It’s not how much you have—it’s how clearly you’ve planned. Lorenz’s 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 Aren’t 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 £18 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 “secret trust” was meant to reduce inheritance taxes while still supporting family.
Here’s the problem: verbal instructions aren’t legal instructions. The court isn’t in the business of guessing what you meant. It’s in the business of enforcing what’s in writing.
Why Estate Planning Shortcuts Backfire
If you’ve ever thought, “They’ll know what I wanted” or “I trust them to do the right thing,” 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, here’s how to do it right:
- Work with an experienced estate planning attorney (not a generalist)
- Use legal documents—not conversations—to spell out your wishes
- Create a trust or will that’s clear, complete, and customized to you
- Name backups and build contingency plans
- Keep everything up to date with life’s changes
At The Estate Planning Law Center, we don’t just fill out forms—we 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 “understood” what he wanted. But understanding isn’t enough in the eyes of the law. His estate is now tangled in litigation, and no one’s walking away the way he intended.
If you’ve put off planning, updated documents years ago, or rely on “they’ll figure it out”—now is the time to act.
Register for a Workshop today. Learn what a complete estate plan really looks like—and how to protect your legacy while you still can.
