Good Advice
The article “All in the Family” (February/March 2010) suggests that representation of the business and estate planning for the family can be done by the same lawyer. Maybe, but not likely.

As the article suggests, if the lawyer represents the corporation, he/she does not represent the individual family members. [OSB General Counsel] Sylvia Stevens is right. The lawyer needs to know who he/she represents and for what. Corporations are run by officers, directors and shareholders. The lawyer who represents the corporation needs to know who controls the corporation and abide by the wishes of those people regardless of what he/she thinks is fair or what other family member want.

“Don’t try to represent everybody” is very good advice. There are enough lawyers around to represent all family members.

Peter M. Appleton
Salem

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The Bulletin strives to print as many letters as possible. Therefore, brevity is important, and preference will be given to letters that are 250 words or less. The editor reserves the right to select or withhold letters for publication, and to edit any and all letters chosen for publication. The authors of rejected letters will be notified in writing by the editor.

Send letters to: Editor, OSB Bulletin, P.O. Box 231935, Tigard, OR 97281.

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