Finding the Right Path

“The Shawshank Redemption” had all the elements of a grim movie – prison, degradation, and unjustness. Baked within its telling, however, is a drifting reed of hope, which is both absorbed and dismissed by its characters.

One scene alters our understanding of the story – and it’s not Andy Dufresne’s escape. It is Red, played by Morgan Freeman, hitching a ride to Buxton, Maine.

This elderly man, so nearly full of despair, ventures into the fields of this rural town with only a compass, trying to locate a great tree hiding a secret that will guide him to his new life. The juxtaposition of the majesty of nature – the light of the sun, the grasses, cicadas, and creeks with their attendant sounds mixes with Red’s realization that a path exists to reunite with his friend, who is the only real family he has left in the world.

The intersection of elder law and estate planning brings us into contact with so many families trying to make the right choices. Within a single individual there are often dueling agendas, one that prefers a hands-off approach and another inclination to provide generous support to loved ones.

Elder care attorneys present the facts, review experiences of families that have been through similar situations, and discuss outcomes. We can be strident, opinionated, and certain in our presentations.

We cannot always change people’s minds.

With planning, it comes down to this: do you want to make life easier for yourself, do you want to make life easier for your loved ones, or do you want to accomplish both?

As “The Shawshank Redemption” moves toward a conclusion, Red has clearly made his choice. He does not let his stubbornness and unhappiness derail him from attempting to make his life better. Out there in the distance is a remote possibility of reuniting with Andy.

That trip to the fields of Buxton offers hope for himself and for his friend.

Setting up a trust, creating a family agreement, executing advance directives, and discussing important topics with the people closest to you is a path that is worth pursuing. It is a way to make life easier for yourself – organizing assets, choosing the people you want involved in your affairs, and ensuring continuity should your health hit a snag.

You have removed uncertainty.

Completing those tasks also makes life easier for loved ones. They do not have to scour the earth for your assets, deal with courts, pay your expenses out of their money, and fight with each other as chaos reigns over your family and property.

Red did not lie down in that Maine field, stare at the tree, and go home. He put the work in to follow Andy’s instructions, and it paid off – a reuniting of two best friends.

There is nothing wrong with doing nothing on a random Tuesday, but there is also a time for doing something. When your family comes to you and shows you how important you are to them, your path is clear. Make a plan that brings order to your life and to the lives of your favorite people.

Alan D. Feller, Esq., is managing partner of The Feller Group, located at 572 Route 6, Suite 103, Mahopac. He can be reached at alandfeller@thefellergroup.com.