Many Nebraska spouses are surprised to learn that marriage alone does not give them the legal authority to manage finances or make healthcare decisions if their spouse becomes incapacitated. A Nebraska durable power of attorney is essential for protecting yourself and your spouse in the face of dementia, cognitive decline, or other medical challenges. Here’s why acting early matters — and how the right documents can help you avoid court.

Having a will is important—but it’s not a guarantee that your wishes will be followed or that your loved ones will be protected from stress and confusion. In this post, I break down the five most common ways wills fall short and what to do instead, especially under Nebraska law. Whether you already have a will or are starting from scratch, this is what you need to know.