Estate planning is about more than passing on assets—it’s about protecting your family and your voice. At Zachary W. Anderson Law, we help individuals and families in Lincoln and across Nebraska create clear, legally sound estate plans that work when life takes an unexpected turn. From Wills and Trusts to Powers of Attorney and Living Wills, we focus on giving you control, reducing court involvement, and making sure the people you trust can act for you when it matters most.

Many Nebraska families assume a handwritten note, text message, or video will control what happens after death. In reality, Nebraska probate law is strict about what counts as a valid will, and informal “napkin wills” often fail. This article explains when handwritten wills work, why DIY documents cause disputes, and how to protect your family from unnecessary probate fights.

Beneficiary designations often control more of your estate than your will. In Nebraska, retirement accounts, life insurance, and certain bank or investment accounts pass by contract, which means outdated forms can undermine even careful planning. This post walks through the most common mistakes, the divorce-related legal nuances that trip people up, and how to make sure your estate plan actually works when it matters.

Even well-drafted wills and trusts can leave families fighting. In my Lincoln practice, I see conflict arise when plans ignore real-world dynamics, undocumented gifts, and personal property. Nebraska law enforces what’s written, not what was meant—and that gap is where families fracture.