Wills & Trusts—in plain English

​Face, don't avoid, death, disability, and taxes. It’s easier than you think.

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Before we dive into Massachusetts estate planning, you might want to know who's teaching this course and why I'm qualified to help you protect your family.

My Background

After 32 years helping Massachusetts families protect what matters most, I retired from daily practice in early 2025. But I couldn't quite let go completely.

I grew up in New York City and couldn't wait to escape the urban chaos. After earning my bachelor's from Hobart College in 1975 and my J.D. from Western New England College School of Law in 1979, I found my way to Massachusetts. I added training at Vermont Law School, then earned a master's in tax law - because apparently I enjoy homework more than most people.

My War on Legalese

For three decades, I fought to banish confusing legal jargon from estate documents. While other attorneys clutched their Latin phrases like security blankets, I believed my clients should actually understand what they were signing - a revolutionary concept in legal circles.

Inspired by legal writing expert Bryan Garner, I developed what I call my "Plain(er) English" approach. I simplified complex concepts and eliminated unnecessary jargon. My mission? Guide clients through legal matters without inducing narcolepsy - unlike those dry legal seminars we've all endured.

The 6 AM Ritual

For over 30 years, I woke up by 6 AM every morning to read estate planning law for exactly one hour. My wife thought I was slightly crazy (she might be right). But this daily ritual kept me sharp on constantly changing rules that could save my clients thousands.

I consumed enough coffee during those early morning sessions to fuel a small law firm. Worth it.

Beyond the Office

I gave free public lectures on estate planning throughout Lexington because I believed everyone deserved to understand the basics. I developed online lessons through my Massachusetts Wills & Trusts website, addressed the Massachusetts Society of Enrolled Agents, and conducted workshops for Charles Schwab Inc. I even published articles in the ABA Probate and Property Journal.

My motto was "Estate planning done in three weeks." No unnecessary delays, no endless waiting. Just timely service that respected people's busy lives.

These Days

I can't take new clients anymore (retirement has its perks). But I still love helping Massachusetts families avoid expensive mistakes through free courses like this one. When I'm not tending my garden - which is most days - I read every email personally. After you complete this course, I'm happy to connect you with excellent attorneys who share my commitment to clear communication.

My wife and I have been happily married for about 45 years and raised three children in Lexington. We share a passion for thoughtful planning, whether it's for estates, gardens, or weekend projects.

What to Expect from This Course

Day 1 arrives in your inbox soon. Each lesson takes about 8-10 minutes to read. No legal jargon, no boring lectures - just practical guidance that actually makes sense.

The stories I share are fictional but based on real patterns I observed during 30+ years of practice. I use these stories to make complex concepts memorable and relatable.
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Questions? Hit reply on any email. I read them all personally.

Legal Disclaimer: I do not provide legal or tax advice. This information is general and educational in nature and should not be considered legal or tax advice. Any tax-related information discussed is based on tax laws, regulations, or other guidance that are complex and subject to change. Additional tax rules not discussed here may be applicable to your situation. I recommend that you consult a qualified tax advisor or legal advisor about your individual situation.