Planning for your pets isn’t just sentimental—it’s a real legal issue in Nebraska. Because pets are treated as property under state law, they aren’t automatically protected if you’re hospitalized or pass away. A Will alone won’t cover them during an emergency, and leaving money “to” a pet isn’t legally possible. The good news is Nebraska law gives you strong tools, including Pet Trusts under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 30-3834, to make sure your animals are cared for exactly the way you intend. With the right mix of a Power of Attorney, a Will or Trust, and clear care instructions, you can prevent your pets from ending up in a shelter and give your caregiver everything they need to step in confidently when life doesn’t go according to plan.

Thanksgiving is one of the most natural moments to start an estate planning conversation because the people who matter most are finally in the same room. Families are already thinking about connection, care, and the future, which makes it easier to talk about wills, powers of attorney, guardianship for minor children, and what should happen if someone becomes seriously ill. Most Americans still don’t have a basic plan in place, leaving loved ones vulnerable to Nebraska’s default rules and probate delays. A calm, values-focused conversation at Thanksgiving can prevent confusion later and give everyone the clarity they need to support each other. This guide explains why the holiday works so well, how to bring it up without killing the mood, and what documents most Nebraska families should have.

Plan ahead with confidence. This guide explains how burial insurance and prepaid funeral plans work in Nebraska, how they fit into your will or trust, and when irrevocable arrangements can help with Medicaid eligibility. Learn the pros and cons of each approach, how to document your wishes, and the practical steps to protect your family and your estate.

When someone dies without a will in Nebraska, the law—not their loved ones—decides who inherits. That can mean long probate delays, frozen bank accounts, and family conflict that lasts years. This post explains how Nebraska’s intestacy laws work, what documents belong in a complete estate plan, and why a will, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives matter far more than most people realize. Learn how a Nebraska estate planning attorney can help you protect your family and avoid leaving your legacy to chance—or a Ouija board.

Drafting a will or trust is a great start—but it’s not enough. In Nebraska, unsigned estate planning documents aren’t legally valid. That means your wishes may not be honored, your family may face probate, and the court—not you—decides what happens next. In this post, we break down what’s required for a valid estate plan, what can go wrong when documents go unsigned, and how to make sure your plan holds up when it matters most.

When you don’t have an estate plan in Nebraska, the state’s plan takes over—and it’s often the last thing you’d want for your family. If you have a loved one with a disability, that “default plan” can accidentally strip them of vital benefits like SSI or Medicaid. Here’s how to protect them, and why proactive planning matters.

Many people think probate in Nebraska is simple paperwork—but the reality is months (or even years) of delays, family conflict, and unnecessary costs. In this post, I explain why probate is so draining, and how a well-structured Nebraska estate plan can help your family avoid it.

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.

If you don’t legally name a guardian for your children, a Nebraska court will decide who raises them. In this post, I explain why naming guardians is a key part of Nebraska estate planning, how to choose the right people, and why it’s important to keep your plan current.

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.

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.

Your estate plan can do more than just transfer assets. This Nebraska estate planning guide explores how sharing your stories, values, and personal legacy can create a more meaningful and lasting impact for your family.

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.

Thinking about using LegalZoom to save money? It might cost you far more in the long run. Here’s why DIY legal forms often fail under Nebraska law — and why working with an experienced attorney gives you real protection and peace of mind.

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.