A reader challenged me to write about avoiding probate, which he identified as the evil that led him to suffer years of legal “terrorism,” going through what must have been a brutal lawsuit over his father’s estate.

I’ve taken up the challenge. This is the second in a series of columns about avoiding probate.

I explained last week that avoiding probate means not leaving an estate. That doesn’t necessarily mean dying penniless, which I’ll explain as this series progresses. But spending all your money before you die is certainly an option which I advocated last week.

I’ve come to appreciate my father’s clearly expressed intention not to leave an inheritance for my brother and me. I did feel twinges of jealousy of those who could look forward to a financial windfall at some point in their future but I also believe I benefited from his philosophy.

I feel strongly we should encourage our parents to get as much enjoyment........

© Castanet