When a gift makes a big mess

Most of us do not intend to leave our families a financial mess when we are gone.
In fact, many believe they have done all the required work to have their estate settled: They considered what was essential, gave away assets during their lifetime and documented thorough instructions for what to do after they passed.
But after decades as a CPA helping administrators and trustees, I am rarely surprised when an estate is a mess. Even the most conscientious decedent can leave behind confusion, bad ta