David William Osterman

My aging parents needed updated wills and a trust for real estate, and I was referred to Dave by a friend. We had our initial meeting with Dave a few years ago to discuss their individual desires. The meeting could be described as 'painful' at best, since my parents had made decisions as to their r...espective beneficiaries without discussion between themselves before the meeting. There was a look of shock on both my parents' faces as they each described how they wanted their property divided. Dave was extremely sensitive to the situation when he realized there was more going on than just a standard will and trust for two people in their 80s. He very diplomatically pointed out the possible legal issues with their choices of beneficiaries and how they wanted property disposed, and also brought up in a sensitive manner the personal ramifications. After a very frank and robust discussion, both parents were satisfied with Dave's recommendations, and the wills and trust were put in place. My mother passed away a few years after the meeting. Dave and his paralegal Brenda were very responsive to my needs as executor and trustee, which was complicated by my living out of state. They arranged their schedules so I could meet with them when I was in town. Dave was pragmatic in advising me as to what I could/should handle versus what they could do as lawyers for my mother and the trust. I got the sense that he was not looking to do simple tasks just to generate billable hours. They responded quickly to questions about forms to be filed, possible issues with the trust selling the family home, and additional documents needed by the realtor. It is very hard when a parent passes away, and the groundwork laid by Dave a few years ago made the estate settlement process less complicated than it would have been without the will and trust. Dave and Brenda helped throughout the settlement process, from the time of her death to the trust distribution. Working with them was one of the more pleasant aspects during this trying time.