“Taylor Swift Eras Tour, But Make It Legal” [Zach’s Version]

If you’ve been anywhere near a stadium, a headline, or even your Instagram feed, you’ve probably seen the impact of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. Each era—Fearless, Red, Reputation, Lover, Midnights—marks a different chapter in her story.

Your estate plan? It should evolve the same way.

Your relationships shift. Your family changes. Your assets grow. A will you signed ten years ago might not make sense for your life today. In Nebraska, your estate plan should grow with you—through every era.

Let’s walk through the key estate planning documents you’ll need at each life stage—Nebraska style.

Era 1: Single and Starting Out

“It’s me, hi, I’m the problem, it’s me…”

If you’re young, healthy, and single, estate planning probably isn’t top of mind. But even now, there are two documents that matter deeply:

Durable Power of Attorney for Finances

If you’re incapacitated, who can access your bank accounts, pay bills, or sign legal documents on your behalf? Without this, your loved ones may need to petition for conservatorship in Nebraska County Court—a costly, public process.

Advance Directive for Health Care (Medical Power of Attorney)

This document lets you name someone to make medical decisions if you can’t. In Nebraska, if you’re single and haven’t named anyone, the law defaults to close family—which may not reflect your wishes.

Bottom line: Even if you have no spouse, no kids, and no estate, someone still needs legal authority to act for you in an emergency.

Era 2: Engaged, Married, or in a Long-Term Relationship

“You belong with me…”

When you’re sharing your life with someone, estate planning becomes a joint effort:

Last Will and Testament

If you’re unmarried, your partner won’t inherit under Nebraska’s intestacy laws. You must explicitly name them in your will or trust. If you’re married, a will still ensures your wishes are followed—especially if you have children from another relationship.

Updated Powers of Attorney

You likely want your partner—not an estranged relative—to make medical or financial decisions if needed. If your documents are outdated or name someone else, it can cause major legal problems.

Beneficiary Designations

Check your life insurance, bank accounts, and retirement plans. These often pass outside of probate and must be kept current to reflect your current relationship.

Era 3: Parenthood and Protecting Kids

“I had the time of my life fighting dragons with you…”

This is the era where you’re no longer just planning for yourself. Your kids’ well-being is now part of the picture.

Will With Guardianship Provisions

You can name who you want to raise your children if something happens to you. If you don’t, a Nebraska court will decide—possibly choosing someone you never would have picked.

Revocable Trust

This allows you to control how and when your children receive assets. Without it, they could receive a large inheritance at 18, with no restrictions or guidance.

Life Insurance + Beneficiary Planning

Having coverage in place and naming the right beneficiaries ensures financial stability for your kids if you’re not around.

Era 4: Blended Families, Aging Parents, and Complex Relationships

“I remember it all too well…”

This era often brings more emotional and legal complexity—think remarriage, caring for elderly parents, or supporting adult children.

Will and Trust Updates

Nebraska intestacy laws do not recognize stepchildren or chosen family. If your documents don’t explicitly name them, they won’t inherit. This is crucial in blended families or LGBTQ+ households where relationships may not be legally formalized.

Guardianship or Conservatorship Planning

If you’re caring for someone without the right legal paperwork, you may need to petition for guardianship or conservatorship through County Court.

Revisit Your POAs

Is your ex still your medical decision-maker? Are your adult children ready to step into that role? Make sure your documents reflect today’s relationships.

Era 5: Retirement, Legacy, and Estate Preservation

“I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling… fully prepared.”

Now, you’re thinking about protecting your assets, providing for grandkids, and minimizing stress for your loved ones.

Trusts for Privacy and Control

A revocable trust can help avoid Nebraska probate, maintain privacy, and manage complex wishes (like holding funds for adult children or supporting charitable causes).

Review Beneficiaries Again

Accounts like IRAs, annuities, and TOD/POD bank accounts should reflect your current legacy goals. Don’t let an outdated designation override your will.

Living Will + Final Wishes

Many Advance Directives in Nebraska include a Living Will component—letting you express preferences about end-of-life care so your loved ones don’t have to guess.

Your Estate Plan Should Match the Era You’re In

Estate planning isn’t a one-time event—it’s an ongoing process that should reflect who you are and what matters most, right now.

Whether you’re starting your Fearless chapter, deep in Reputation, or planning from a place of Midnights-era wisdom, your estate plan should evolve alongside you.

If you haven’t updated your documents in 5–10 years, if you’ve experienced major life changes, or if you’re just not sure what you have in place, it’s time to check in.

Call me at 402-259-0059 or email zach@zandersonlaw.com to schedule a consult. Let’s make sure your Nebraska estate plan is in the right era—yours.

FAQs About Updating Your Estate Plan in Nebraska

How often should I update my estate plan?

You should review your estate plan at least every 3 to 5 years, or after any major life change: marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, death of a loved one, significant financial changes, or a move to a new state.

What documents should be part of a Nebraska estate plan?

A comprehensive estate plan typically includes:

• Last Will and Testament

• Durable Power of Attorney (Finances)

• Advance Directive / Health Care Power of Attorney

• Revocable Trust (optional but useful)

• Updated beneficiary designations

What happens if my estate plan is outdated?

Outdated documents can create serious legal complications. The wrong person may make medical decisions, inherit your assets, or be left out entirely. Your family may also face unnecessary court proceedings and delays.

Can I change my will or trust in Nebraska?

Yes. You can modify your will with a codicil or create a new one. Trusts can also be amended if they’re revocable. It’s best to do this with the help of an estate planning attorney to ensure changes are valid and enforceable.

Do I need a trust, or is a will enough?

It depends on your goals. A trust can help avoid probate, offer more control over asset distribution, and maintain privacy. A will alone must go through Nebraska probate court, which may be time-consuming or public. Many families benefit from using both.