Beyoncé Has an Empire—You Still Need a Will (Nebraska edition)

“Strong enough to bear the children, then get back to business.”

— Beyoncé, Run the World (Girls)

Beyoncé’s empire is vast: homes, businesses, trademarks, royalties. Her brand is built on power, intention, and control.

But here’s the thing—you don’t need to be a global superstar to protect your legacy. If you own a home, have kids, share your life with a partner, or just really care who gets your vintage vinyl collection, then you need an estate plan.

In Nebraska, estate planning isn’t just for the ultra-wealthy. It’s how you protect your family, your property, and your peace of mind. Without a plan in place, the state makes the decisions for you—and your loved ones are left picking up the pieces.

What Happens If You Die Without a Will in Nebraska?

When you die without a will (called dying intestate), Nebraska law decides who gets what under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 30-2301 et seq. That might sound orderly, but it rarely aligns with what most people actually want.

Let’s break it down:

• Unmarried partner? Gets nothing.

• Stepchildren? Not recognized.

• Chosen family? No legal rights unless explicitly named.

• Sentimental items you promised to friends? Up for grabs.

Without a will, even your funeral decisions, guardianship for your children, or who settles your estate may be completely out of your control. Probate becomes slower, more expensive, and more painful for the people you love.

“Say My Name”: What Your Estate Plan Should Include

Creating an estate plan is your way of naming names—clearly and legally. A good Nebraska estate plan gives you control over:

• Who inherits your property

• Who will manage your estate (called the Personal Representative)

• Who will care for your minor children, if needed

• Who will make decisions for you if you’re incapacitated

It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being prepared.

Beyoncé Has an Estate Plan—and You Should Too

Let’s break down what a basic Nebraska estate plan includes:

1. Last Will and Testament

Names your beneficiaries, appoints your Personal Representative, and outlines any specific wishes you have.

2. Powers of Attorney

• A Durable Power of Attorney lets someone manage your finances if you’re unable.

• An Advance Directive (including a Health Care Power of Attorney) allows someone you trust to make medical decisions if you’re incapacitated.

3. Beneficiary Designations

Assets like life insurance, 401(k)s, IRAs, and bank accounts can pass directly to your named beneficiaries—outside of probate—if properly designated.

4. Revocable Living Trust (optional, but powerful)

A trust keeps your estate private, avoids probate, and allows for more complex instructions—ideal for blended families, minor children, or if you want to manage assets over time.

Who Needs an Estate Plan in Nebraska?

Spoiler alert: probably you. You don’t need Beyoncé’s bank account—just a desire to keep your loved ones out of court and in control.

You need an estate plan if you:

• Own a home, with or without a mortgage

• Have children, including from a prior relationship

• Are part of a blended, LGBTQ+, or nontraditional family

• Have unmarried partners or chosen family you want to protect

• Care who gets your assets—or how they’re used

• Want to avoid Nebraska probate and legal confusion

“I dream it, I work hard, I grind ’til I own it.”

That’s what estate planning is: owning your future so Nebraska law doesn’t do it for you.

FAQs: Nebraska Estate Planning Basics

What happens if I don’t have a will in Nebraska?

If you die without a will, your estate goes through intestate succession under Nebraska law. The court distributes your assets to relatives based on a legal formula, which often excludes unmarried partners, stepchildren, and close friends.

What’s the difference between a will and a trust?

A will outlines who gets what and must go through probate. A trust can manage assets during your life and after death—and often avoids probate entirely. Trusts also allow for more privacy and control over how your assets are used.

What is probate in Nebraska?

Probate is the legal process where the court reviews your will, appoints a Personal Representative, and oversees distribution of your estate. Without a solid estate plan, probate can be slow and costly.

Do I need an estate plan if I don’t have kids?

Yes. Even if you don’t have children, you still want to decide who gets your property, who handles your affairs, and what happens if you become incapacitated.

Are online wills valid in Nebraska?

A will can be valid in Nebraska if it meets formal requirements, but DIY documents often leave gaps that cause expensive problems later. If your life, family, or finances aren’t cookie-cutter, your will shouldn’t be either.

Estate Planning With Intention (and Maybe a Little Sasha Fierce)

Estate planning isn’t just legal paperwork—it’s your chance to protect your people, define your wishes, and avoid unnecessary heartache for those you love.

Whether you need a simple will or a comprehensive estate plan with trusts and powers of attorney, I’m here to walk you through it—clearly, compassionately, and with some Beyoncé-level clarity.

Let’s get in formation.

Call 402-259-0059 or email zach@zandersonlaw.com to schedule your consultation.

You may not be Queen Bey, but you can still run your world—and your estate—like one.