He Called Me From the Grave... Or So He Said
- Mitchell Lansky
- Jul 14
- 3 min read
A few years ago, I answered the phone and heard something I never expected.
My longtime client told me he was calling straight from the grave.
I'm Attorney Mitchell Lansky, and I practice estate planning and elder law. After hearing that opening line, I had to smile. Who was I to argue with him?
While the conversation was lighthearted, the lesson behind it is one that everyone should take seriously.
Watch Attorney Mitchell Lansky Tell the Story
This memorable story illustrates one of the biggest mistakes people make after creating an estate plan. Watch Attorney Mitchell Lansky explain it in his own words here:
An Estate Plan Isn't Something You Create Once and Forget
For years, I had encouraged this client to come into the office to review and update his estate plan.
Like many people, he always had a reason to postpone it.
Life was busy.
Nothing had happened.
He figured it could wait a little longer.
Each time we spoke, I reminded him that estate planning isn't a one-time event. Your life changes, your family changes, your finances change, and your estate plan should change with them.
I also warned him that if he waited too long, there could come a day when it would simply be too late.
"Can I Still Make Changes?"
When my client jokingly claimed he was calling from the grave, he asked if he could still make a few changes to his estate plan.
If that had actually been true, my answer would have been heartbreaking.
Once someone passes away, their estate plan generally cannot be changed.
At that point, the documents they've signed—and the ones they never updated—become the instructions everyone must follow.
If those documents no longer reflect their wishes, there is very little anyone can do to fix the situation.
Assets may be distributed differently than intended.
Loved ones may not receive the protection the person wanted them to have.
Unfortunately, families often discover these problems only after it's too late to correct them.
Thankfully, This Story Had a Happy Ending
Fortunately, my client wasn't actually calling from the grave.
He was very much alive.
He simply wanted to make a point—and thankfully, he had called before it was too late.
We reviewed his estate plan together, made the necessary updates, and ensured that his documents accurately reflected his current wishes.
Since then, we've continued to meet periodically to keep his plan current as life changes.
That's exactly how estate planning should work.
Why Estate Plans Need Regular Reviews
Creating an estate plan is one of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself and your family.
But it's equally important to review that plan over time.
You should consider updating your estate plan whenever:
You get married or divorced.
A child or grandchild is born.
Someone named in your documents passes away.
You move to another state.
Your financial situation changes significantly.
You buy or sell major assets.
Your relationships change.
Tax laws or estate planning laws are updated.
It's simply been several years since your last review.
Even if nothing major has changed, reviewing your plan every few years can help ensure it still reflects your goals and complies with current laws.
Don't Wait Until It's Too Late
Estate planning often gets pushed aside because there always seems to be something more urgent.
But while your estate plan may not feel like today's highest priority, it could become one of the most important decisions you ever make for your family.
The best time to review your estate plan is while you still have the ability to make thoughtful decisions and update your documents as your life evolves.
Protect Your Family by Keeping Your Plan Current
If it's been several years since you've reviewed your estate plan—or if you're not sure whether it still reflects your wishes—now is the time to take another look.
At The Lansky Law Firm, we help individuals and families create and maintain estate plans that continue to protect them through every stage of life.
Whether you need your first estate plan or simply need to update an existing one, we're here to help.
Schedule Your Estate Plan Review Today
Life changes. Your estate plan should change with it.
If you haven't reviewed your will, trust, powers of attorney, or beneficiary designations in the last few years, don't wait until it's too late. A simple review today can help prevent unnecessary stress, legal complications, and unintended consequences tomorrow.
The Lansky Law Firm 6800 Poplar Ave. #225Memphis, TN 38138
Call (901) 767-7006 to schedule your consultation or visit www.LanskyLawFirm.com to learn how we can help protect your family, your assets, and your legacy.
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