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

How Your Nebraska Estate Plan Needs to Evolve With Every Era of Life

If you’ve been anywhere near a stadium, a headline, or even Instagram lately, you know Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour is everywhere. Each era—Fearless, Red, Reputation, Lover, Midnights—marks a different chapter of her story.

And honestly? Your estate plan works the same way.

Your life changes. Relationships evolve. Assets grow. Families shift. And your legal documents need to keep up. Estate planning isn’t one-and-done. It should grow with you—through every era.

Let’s break it down—Nebraska style.

Era 1: The “Single” Era

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

When you’re single and starting out, it’s easy to assume you don’t need an estate plan. But even in this era, two documents are essential:

• Advance Directive (Power of Attorney for Health Care): In Nebraska, if you’re incapacitated, hospitals turn to family by statutory default. If you’re single and haven’t named someone? It’s unclear who will have legal authority.

• Durable Power of Attorney for Finances: If you can’t manage your finances, someone needs legal authority to step in. Without this, family may have to petition County Court for conservatorship—public, expensive, and time-consuming.

Era 2: The “Partnered” Era (Engaged, Married, Long-Term Relationship)

You belong with me…

This is when you make sure your partner can actually help you in an emergency—and that you’re protecting each other legally:

• Will: If you’re not married, your partner won’t inherit under Nebraska’s intestacy laws. You must name them in your will or trust.

• Advance Directive and Financial POAs: So your partner—not an estranged relative—has legal authority to make decisions if needed.

• Beneficiary Designations: Update retirement accounts, life insurance, and bank accounts to align with your current relationship.

Era 3: Parenthood Era

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

Your focus shifts to protecting your kids:

• Will: Crucial to nominate guardians for your minor children. Without this, Nebraska courts decide.

• Trust: Allows you to control how and when your children receive assets, rather than an 18-year-old inheriting everything outright.

• Life Insurance and Beneficiary Planning: Provides financial support for your children if something happens to you.

Era 4: Caregiving Era (Aging Parents, Blended Families)

I remember it all too well…

If you’re supporting aging parents, managing a blended family, or caring for vulnerable loved ones, your estate plan needs another update:

• Review your will/trust: Ensure your current spouse, stepchildren, and chosen family are protected. Nebraska intestacy laws do not recognize stepchildren or chosen family without legal documents.

• Guardianship planning: If you’re providing care for an incapacitated family member, you may need formal guardianship or conservatorship through County Court if no POAs are in place.

• Update POAs: Ensure your appointed decision-makers are still appropriate and current.

Era 5: Retirement and Legacy Era

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

As you approach retirement, your estate planning shifts toward legacy and asset protection:

• Trusts: For privacy, tax efficiency, and protecting adult children or grandchildren.

• Updating powers of attorney: These documents should always reflect your current wishes and relationships.

• Review beneficiary designations: On retirement accounts, life insurance, annuities—ensure they align with your legacy goals.

• Advance care planning: Including a Living Will component within your Advance Directive to outline end-of-life care preferences.

Every era needs its soundtrack—and its plan.

Your life will evolve. Relationships change. Families blend. Assets shift. And just like Taylor’s eras, your estate plan should reflect where you are now—not where you were five or ten years ago.

If your plan hasn’t kept up with your current era? Let’s talk. Whether you’re starting your “Fearless” phase, managing a blended family, or building your legacy, I can help you create an estate plan that protects your people—and your peace of mind.

Call me at 402-259-0059 or email zach@zandersonlaw.com.

Because in Nebraska, whether you’re in your Midnights era or still on Speak Now—you deserve a plan that fits your life.