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I recently came upon an article where The Ohio Supreme Court recently slapped a $6.4 million penalty upon two companies, American Family Prepaid Legal Corp. and Heritage Marketing and Insurance Services Inc., for the illegal practice of law (running a "Trust Mill") in that state.  These companies have also been banned from ever operating in Ohio again.

Most estate planners focus on how best to protect and pass on assets, but an attorney that truly takes the time to understand you and build a relationship knows that a will or a trust is not all about assets. In fact, for all of the technical and financial language you may find in your will or trust, the most important part of the document is if—and how—it reflects your values.

Do you have an email account? facebook? flicker? or other social media account?

Do you access your bank or investment accounts online?

Do you receive e-bills?

If you already have a revocable living trust, then this article is for you. Can you trust that it will work when you and your family need it the most? Will you really avoid a conservatorship or a probate and the costs and delay that come with these drawn out court processes?

This may surprise you, but without hesitation I can tell you: most estate plans are in grave danger of failing.

Why do I say that?