Do college athletes with NIL deals really need an estate plan? In Nebraska, the answer is often yes. Student-athletes can earn real income through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreements, but state-specific laws create legal gaps many families don’t expect. Nebraska’s age-19 rule, limits on how long NIL contracts can last, and strict rules around digital assets mean that default law may leave no one with authority to manage contracts, income, or medical decisions in a crisis. This article explains why estate planning has become a critical piece of NIL and how Nebraska student-athletes can protect what they’re building.

Estate planning isn’t just for retirees anymore. If you live in Nebraska and use Venmo, Cash App, crypto, Robinhood, or online banking, you already have an estate—and those digital accounts can be locked forever if something happens to you. This guide breaks down how Nebraska law treats your digital assets, why partners get nothing without a will, and the simple steps millennials and Gen Z can take to protect their money, passwords, and online life.

A recent meeting with three generations around the table reminded me: the best estate planning isn’t just legal—it’s about building trust and connection across time. Here’s why creating space for these conversations matters.