When Someone Tries to Honor a Deceased Person’s Wishes—But It Wasn’t in Writing, Nobody Is Happy

When a loved one’s wishes aren’t written in a valid Nebraska will or trust, it often leads to family conflict, delays, and costly mistakes in probate. In this post, I explain what happens when property isn’t clearly addressed in your Nebraska estate plan—and why written planning is the best way to protect your family.

Read More

The Hidden Risks of DIY Estate Planning Templates in Nebraska

DIY estate planning templates may look convenient, but they often create serious legal risks here in Nebraska. In this post, I walk through the hidden dangers of using templates for your Nebraska estate plan—and why working with an experienced Nebraska estate lawyer is the safer choice for your family.

Read More

Why ‘Good Enough’ Estate Planning Won’t Protect Your Nebraska Family

Too many families in Nebraska assume their old will or a basic online form is “good enough” to protect their loved ones. But when it comes to Nebraska estate planning, outdated or incomplete documents can expose your family to probate, conflict, and unintended outcomes. In this post, I explain why estate planning is a process—not just paperwork—and why “good enough” won’t cut it when your family’s future is on the line.

Read More

Naming Guardians: A Critical Step for LGBTQ+ Parents in Estate Planning

For LGBTQIA+ parents in Nebraska, naming guardians for minor children is a critical part of estate planning. Learn what to consider — and how to protect your children and your wishes — with a clear, affirming plan.

Read More

Living Will vs. Last Will and Testament: What’s the Difference?

A Living Will and a Last Will and Testament serve two very different purposes in your Nebraska estate plan. Learn what each document does — and why you need both — in this clear guide.

Read More

Why Proactive Estate Planning Matters

Estate planning isn’t just about what happens after you’re gone. This post explains why proactive planning — especially for potential incapacity — protects your well-being and your family during life, not just after death.

Read More

Mistakes in Wills: Why Small Errors Can Lead to Big Problems

A will is only helpful if it’s legally sound. In this post, learn how common mistakes in wills — from execution errors to outdated beneficiaries — can derail your estate plan and cause big problems for your family in Nebraska probate court.

Read More

The Estate Plan They Wanted — But Ran Out of Time to Sign

One family called for help — but by the time I returned to the hospital, it was too late to sign. Here’s why timing matters so much in estate planning, and why asking your loved ones to plan ahead is an act of care.

Read More

When an 8-Year-Old Inherits Millions — Is He Really Protected?

What happens when a child inherits millions without a plan? Using a high-profile case as an example, this post explains why estate planning is essential — for families of all sizes — to protect minor children and manage assets responsibly.

Read More

The Biggest Estate Planning Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Estate planning should do more than create a stack of documents — it should create a plan that actually works. This post walks through some of the most common estate planning mistakes and how to avoid them, so your plan protects what matters most when it’s needed.

Read More

What Happens to a Home in a Nebraska Trust After the Owner Dies?

Wondering what happens to your home if it’s placed in a Nebraska trust? A properly drafted and funded Nebraska trust can help your loved ones avoid probate and simplify the transfer of your property after death. Here’s how the process works — and why getting it right matters.

Read More

What Harvey Milk’s Story Teaches Us About Legacy, Family, and Legal Protection

Harvey Milk’s legacy offers valuable lessons for LGBTQ+ estate planning and family law. Learn how his story connects to legacy planning, guardianship, and protecting chosen family — and how Nebraska families can plan ahead.

Read More

A Trust Is Only as Strong as Its Trustee: How to Choose Wisely in Nebraska

Your trust is only as strong as the person managing it. In Nebraska, a trustee’s role comes with serious legal duties—and the wrong choice can lead to conflict, poor management, or even litigation. Learn what qualities to look for, what Nebraska law requires, and why sometimes the best trustee isn’t a family member at all.

Read More

What You Need to Know About Transfer on Death Deeds in Nebraska

A Transfer on Death (TOD) deed can seem like an easy fix to avoid probate and keep things simple after you’re gone—but without proper planning, it can leave behind more confusion than clarity. In this post, we break down how TOD deeds work in Nebraska, where they fall short, and what to consider before using one as your estate plan.

Read More

If It’s Not in Writing, It’s Not a Plan (Especially in Nebraska)

“Everyone knew what she wanted”—until no one could agree. In Nebraska, unwritten wishes don’t mean much in probate court. This blog breaks down what happens when intentions aren’t documented, who gets what under intestacy laws, and why even the best families fall apart without a valid will or trust in place.

Read More

“If I Already Have a Will, Why Would I Need a Trust?”

Wills and trusts both serve a purpose—but they’re not interchangeable. This post breaks down the key differences under Nebraska law and explains why trust-centered planning often provides greater flexibility, protection, and peace of mind, especially for seniors, blended families, and those concerned about incapacity.

Read More

Want to stay in the loop without checking back every week?

You can subscribe to updates from my blog using RSS. It’s an easy way to get new posts in your favorite app—no social media or email required.

Here’s the link to subscribe:

https://www.zandersonlaw.com/blog?format=rss

You can paste that into a feed reader like Feedly, Inoreader, or even some email clients.

Not sure what RSS is?

It’s kind of like subscribing to a news feed—just for this blog.

You’ll automatically see new articles when they’re posted, without needing to follow or sign up for anything else.

Please note:

The content on this blog is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice.

Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.

For personalized guidance tailored to your specific circumstances,
it's always best to connect with a qualified attorney.