When multimillionaire Alan Lorenz passed away in 2021, he left behind a legacy built on hard work, grit, and an unexpected career shift—from divorce attorney to a top executive in the health and wellness industry. But one thing he didn’t leave behind? A clear, airtight estate plan.
And that’s where the drama began.
Lorenz’s story isn’t just another headline—it’s a real-world reminder of what can happen when people try to cut corners in estate planning. At Voorhees Law Group, we’ve seen how one overlooked detail can lead to years of conflict and confusion.
A Verbal Agreement Isn’t a Legal Plan
Lorenz’s estate was worth over £18 million, including real estate, business interests, and cash. Just weeks before he died, he entered a civil partnership and revised his will to leave everything to his partner, Sheila Caruana.
Sounds straightforward—until his three siblings came forward, claiming there was more to the story. According to them, Lorenz verbally told Caruana to split the estate with them through a so-called “secret trust.” The goal? Allegedly, to reduce taxes and still care for his family.
Now, years later, the case is in court, the family is fractured, and the estate is in limbo.
Why Cutting Corners Creates Chaos
If you’ve ever thought, “They’ll do the right thing,” or “It’s obvious what I meant,” this story is a red flag. Without a formal, legally binding plan, here’s what can go wrong:
- Loved ones may be accidentally left out
- Wills can be challenged, leading to drawn-out legal battles
- Family ties can unravel
- Tax strategies can collapse
- And your legacy may end up tied in court instead of in the hands of those you love
The court isn’t in the business of interpreting your intent. It’s there to enforce what’s properly documented. Anything less opens the door to confusion—and conflict.
What This Means for You
Whether your estate is large or modest, you deserve a plan that protects what you’ve built and honors your wishes. That means:
- Working with an experienced estate planning attorney
- Creating and regularly updating a will or trust
- Clearly documenting your wishes—no assumptions, no guesswork
- Naming backup beneficiaries and outlining contingencies
- Avoiding verbal instructions or informal “understandings”
At Voorhees Law Group, we help families create legally sound, fully customized estate plans that keep your intentions crystal clear—and your family out of court.
Don’t Leave Your Legacy Up to Interpretation
Alan Lorenz’s story is a cautionary tale, but it doesn’t have to be yours. When it comes to your legacy, there’s no room for shortcuts.
Let’s make sure your plan is rock solid—so your family can focus on healing, not headaches.
Request a free consultation and start protecting your legacy today.