Estate Planning Myths in Nebraska: What Taylor Swift’s “Wood” Teaches Us About Real Legal Protections
Taylor Swift’s “Wood” is a cheeky track that plays with superstition, luck, and magical thinking. Too often, Nebraskans take the same approach to estate planning—crossing their fingers, knocking on wood, and hoping for the best. But in real life, luck doesn’t protect your loved ones—legal documents do.
This post debunks the most common estate planning myths in Nebraska and shows what protections truly matter, especially for young adults who assume they’re “too young” or “too broke” to plan. Whether you’re 18 or 80, having the right documents in place gives you peace of mind and safeguards your future.
Why “Wood” Is the Perfect Estate Planning Metaphor
In The Life of a Showgirl, Swift sings:
“All of that bitchin’, wishin’ on a falling star / Never did me any good / I ain’t got to knock on wood.”
It’s a lyric about letting go of superstition and leaning into clarity. Estate planning works the same way. Myths like “the state takes everything if I don’t have a will” or “I don’t need a plan because my family knows what I want” create confusion, not security. Nebraska law gives you tools to cut through the myths and protect what matters most.
Nebraska Estate Planning Myths: Debunked
Myth 1: “I’m Too Young for a Will”
Truth: In Nebraska, once you turn 18 you can sign legally binding estate planning documents, including a will, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. Recent updates like LB1195 have modernized parts of Nebraska’s probate and trust laws, but the key point is this: adulthood gives you the right to make a plan.
Myth 2: “I Don’t Have Enough Money to Worry About It”
Truth: Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy. It also covers your digital assets, personal property, and healthcare decisions. Even a simple will and power of attorney can prevent costly disputes.
Myth 3: “If I Die Without a Will, the State Gets Everything”
Truth: Nebraska’s intestacy laws decide who inherits if you die without a will. Assets go to your closest relatives in a set order. The state only receives property if you truly have no living relatives—a rare situation.
Myth 4: “My Family Knows What I Want”
Truth: Verbal wishes aren’t legally enforceable. Without written documents, your loved ones may face confusion, conflict, or even court battles.
Myth 5: “Estate Planning Is a One-Time Thing”
Truth: Plans should evolve with your life. Marriage, divorce, children, new assets, and law changes all call for updates.
What Legal Protections Actually Matter in Nebraska
Last Will and Testament – Directs how assets are distributed and names guardians for children.
Revocable Living Trust – Helps avoid probate, protects privacy, and manages assets during incapacity.
Durable Power of Attorney – Authorizes someone you trust to manage finances if you cannot.
Healthcare Power of Attorney & Living Will – Ensures medical choices reflect your wishes.
Beneficiary Designations – Control life insurance, retirement accounts, and payable-on-death assets.
Transfer-on-Death (TOD) Deeds – Let Nebraska real estate pass directly to heirs without probate, but only if properly signed, witnessed, notarized, and recorded. Property transferred this way is still subject to Nebraska inheritance tax.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need estate planning if I’m under 40?
Yes. Young adults often have digital assets, retirement accounts, and healthcare preferences. Estate planning ensures your wishes are followed.
Can I name someone to make medical decisions for me?
Yes. A healthcare power of attorney lets you appoint a trusted decision-maker.
What happens if I die without a will in Nebraska?
Your estate is distributed under Nebraska’s intestacy statutes, which may not reflect your actual wishes.
Is estate planning expensive?
Not necessarily. Basic plans are affordable and scalable, and they can prevent far more expensive disputes later.
Can I update my estate plan later?
Absolutely. Estate plans should be reviewed and updated after major life changes.
Final Takeaway
Taylor Swift’s “Wood” reminds us that superstition isn’t a plan. Estate planning in Nebraska isn’t about luck—it’s about strategy. Whether you’re just starting adulthood or preparing for retirement, the right documents will protect your family, honor your wishes, and give you peace of mind.
At Zachary W. Anderson Law, we help Nebraskans move past myths and put real protections in place. Don’t wait for a crisis—let’s get your plan in place today.
📧 zach@zandersonlaw.com