Distinguishing Between Busy and Effective In Estate Planning

When I was in private practice, I was admonished to refrain from saying that I was busy. It’s true, I was busy, but most attorneys and most people are. The attorney who chastised me reminded me that by saying I was busy, I might inadvertently signal that I didn’t want more business. That conversation stuck with me, and I now make a conscious effort to avoid the word. Sometimes it works, sometimes … not so much. Now I describe myself as “lazy,” not entirely true, of course. The truth, selfishly, I enjoy completing my work with the least amount of effort so that I have the energy to tackle those big outside projects and problems.

In most areas of law, but particularly in Estate Planning, a huge world exists between busy and effective. Busy schedules often mean putting off important decisions. Maybe you’ve been meaning to update your Estate Plan because when you first created it, you didn’t have children. Maybe you’ve been waiting to meet with an attorney “when things calm down.” Life doesn’t pause, and consequences occur regardless of whether they fit your schedule. Delay leads to incomplete planning, missed opportunities, or plans that no longer reflect your current circumstances.

A packed schedule of client meetings, document preparation, networking, and follow-ups can feel like forward motion, but without structure, those tasks become reactive. Attorneys who lack appropriate structure find themselves spinning from one urgent task to the next, reacting to client calls, deadlines, and administrative issues, “putting out fires,” without actually advancing their practice, providing strategic guidance, or honing their skills. Being busy can mask the lack of intentional systems, proper client engagement, and follow-through.

As the saying goes, “Life is what happens when you are busy making plans.” In Estate Planning, when plans fail to materialize, life can leave nothing but a mess for your loved ones. Effective Estate Planning requires intention, structure, and proactive action. If you are a client, that means setting aside time to make thoughtful decisions, discussions with family members and loved ones regarding those plans, reviewing existing Estate Plans regularly, asking for clarification, and understanding how individual choices fit into a larger life plan. For attorneys, that means creating the processes, prioritizing meaningful client interactions, and structuring work so both the client and the firm benefit in the long term.

Now that we understand the tasks, the question becomes how to implement them. Here are some practical strategies for anyone looking to add effectiveness rather than busyness to their life. Identify the high-impact areas of an Estate Plan and address those first. That could mean determining who should serve as fiduciaries or evaluating the likelihood of a disgruntled beneficiary initiating a lawsuit after death. Just yesterday, I was talking with several Trusts and Estates attorneys about this topic. It was in another context; however, identifying areas of friction early helps prevent litigation later.

In Estate Planning, waiting for a crisis often means it’s too late. A comprehensive Estate Plan that consists of a Revocable Living Trust, Pour-Over Will, Property Power of Attorney, Healthcare Power of Attorney, Advance Directive, and a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act authorization provides peace of mind. It grants the author of the plan knowledge that they have provided instructions regarding what should happen during incapacity and at death, and peace knowing that their family has the necessary protection. Not only should everyone create an Estate Plan, but they should also review it periodically. This ensures that when circumstances change, adjustments can be made immediately. Organized records protect both clients and attorneys. Regular communication improves relationships and builds trust, ensuring clients feel secure when updates or changes are needed.

Too often, attorneys rush through calls, meetings, and documents because their to-do lists are endless. Unfortunately, task-focused busyness can bleed into life outside the office, causing missed moments and diminished effectiveness. Instead, make sure every meeting, document, and call strategically advances the plan. I can tell when I am “in the zone,” and it always carries over to my non-work life. Our goal as Trusts and Estate Practitioners isn’t to be busy. Our goal is to be effective. In Estate Planning, effectiveness ensures true protection for families, thoughtful guidance for clients, and practices built on sustainability, intentionality, and resiliency. Being effective matters more than being busy, and it’s how we make the most meaningful impact.

Tereina Stidd, J.D., LL.M.
Director of Education
American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc.
9444 Balboa Avenue, Suite 300
San Diego, California 92123
Phone: (858) 453-2128
www.aaepa.com