Smith & Shapiro

These are great professionals who work hard for every client.
Dec 16th, 2017

Last year my father, stepmother and I went to Greg Smith to receive help with writing a Trust/Will for my father, who at that time was recently diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer.  We knew nothing about this stuff going in but were informed from family members (My uncle, grandfather, sister and brother in law) to ensure that I was the beneficiary and that I had full control over all the assets.  My father agreed and attempted to do so, but when talking to Greg, he insisted that "That's not how it normally goes".  He said it goes to the wife.  Us knowing nothing in this field easily took his guidance thinking he's the professional, he knows what he's doing.  My father even tried to make sure that his house goes to my name, but Greg said that he wouldn't advise doing so for tax reasons I still don't understand. Greg didn't hear any reasoning and did not understand the family situation at all.  My father wanted to make sure that I had full control over all the assets because we were very close and he trusted me in doing the right thing, even over his wife.  Instead, we had no way to avoid what inevitably came...my stepmother closing all the accounts and fleeing the country, back to Japan (not a US Citizen) immediately after my father's passing, taking all the luxurious valuables he had gifted her and leaving all the photos of him and the family behind.  Everyone in the family saw this coming but we had no way on informing Greg so we tried to give her the benefit of the doubt.  I was there for my father every step of the way from his diagnosis to his last moments.  He was only 58 years old when he passed and I truly believe that he would've lasted much longer had he not lost all hope.  The moment he vastly declined was right after his time at Anaheim care facility.  I was sitting bedside besides him along with my girlfriend, talking on the phone with my stepmother through the speaker.  My father and I were desperately trying to convince her to allow my father to come home.  To authorize his release from the facility and to have him be monitored in the comfort of his own bed, surrounded by his family.  She wouldn't budge and she was very adamant and clear that she wanted nothing to do with taking care of him.  My dad was extremely heartbroken and it's no coincidence that since this moment, he declined very fast.  My girlfriend and I couldn't believe her response and actions during his toughest times, especially after knowing all the things that he has done for her and this family.  It's just terribly sad that my father was easily manipulated because of his brain cancer.  Had it not been brain cancer, he would've been more stern with talking to Greg of what he really wanted for the family.  I realized that had Greg done the right thing to begin with and initially listened to my father, my stepmother wouldn't feel inclined to have taken advantage of the entire situation.  Maybe had honored some of my fathers wishes or even kept the family in tact.  If looking for a Family-Trust lawyer, I would highly suggest going elsewhere because I don't think Greg is capable of making the correct recommendations for each family's situation.  Take this as a lesson for anyone looking to do a Trust/Will.
Jan 15th, 2023