The Soap Opera – Estate Planning Interface

Soap operas, that is, ongoing, episodic works of fiction broadcast on television, are turning to the estate planning field to enhance their plot lines.  For example, here is a summary of the past week’s activities on One Life to Live as set forth in October 20, 2006 issue of the Miami Herald:

When Asa asked about Spencer’s mother, Emma, Spencer said Asa had broken her heart. David got Spencer to admit Asa is Spencer’s father (Emma was involved with Asa before she married David’s father). Spencer refused to give David his power of attorney and said he was leaving his assets to ”Hugh” (he doesn’t know Hugh is dead). At his court hearing, Spencer stunned the Buchanan clan by announcing he is Asa’s son. As prosecutor, Nora made a case against Spencer, who will stand trial. Spencer thinks he’ll beat the charges against him. Bo and Kevin wondered if Spencer told the truth about being Asa’s son. David ”helped Hugh” (John) sign power-of-attorney papers. Hugh (John) tried to talk to Bo. Before finalizing their adoption of Tommy, Marcie and Michael learned the baby’s ”birth parents” had actually adopted the boy. Blair was upset to hear Todd tell Evangeline he and Blair aren’t together.

Perhaps an entire show could be designed around estate planning concerns and be named All My Decedents, As the World Ends, The Bold and the Decaying, Days of Our Demise, General Morgue, Going into the Light, One Life to Die, or The Old in the Rest Homes.