Prince died without a will—and the result was six years of legal chaos, family conflict, and millions lost to probate. If it can happen to someone with a $150 million estate, it can happen to anyone. This post breaks down what went wrong, how Nebraska law handles situations like this, and why having a plan isn’t just about money—it’s about peace.

Power of Attorney and Guardianship are both tools for helping someone make decisions—but they work very differently. This post breaks down how each works under Nebraska law, when they apply, and why planning ahead with a POA can often help you avoid the stress and expense of guardianship.

Probate can be time-consuming, expensive, and public—but it’s not always necessary. This post breaks down when probate can be avoided in Nebraska, how tools like living trusts and small estate affidavits work, and what steps you can take now to make things easier for your loved ones later.

Blended families come with love—and legal complexity. If you’re remarried or have stepchildren, your estate plan needs to be more than just a basic will. This post breaks down how Nebraska law handles blended family estates, why default rules often fall short, and what tools can help protect everyone you love.

Nebraska just made it easier to settle small estates without probate. As of July 19, 2024, heirs can now use a small estate affidavit to claim real property valued up to $100,000—double the previous limit. This post explains who qualifies, how the process works, and why this update matters for families navigating estate administration in Nebraska.

If you have a loved one with special needs, leaving them money in your will could unintentionally strip them of the benefits they rely on. This blog explains how a Special Needs Trust can protect their eligibility for programs like Medicaid and SSI—while still allowing you to provide meaningful financial support. Learn how these trusts work under Nebraska law, the different types available, and why getting it right matters.

A Power of Attorney can be one of the most protective tools in your estate plan—or one of the most dangerous. This post breaks down what a Power of Attorney does, why you need one, and how to make sure yours doesn’t backfire. Whether you’re planning ahead or helping a loved one, understanding how this document works in Nebraska could save you time, money, and a lot of future headaches.

Even a Hollywood legend can get estate planning wrong. Gene Hackman’s outdated will, lack of backups, and missing trust left his $80 million estate in legal limbo—and his family in chaos. If you’re assuming your old will still works or that your spouse will outlive you, this is your reminder: estate planning isn’t something to set and forget. Here’s what went wrong, and how to make sure your plan actually does what it’s supposed to.

Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy or elderly—it’s for anyone who wants to make sure their loved ones are protected and their wishes are honored. From naming guardians for your children to avoiding costly probate, this post breaks down why estate planning matters, what tools you might need, and how to get started with a plan that actually works for you.

Estate planning in Nebraska isn’t just for the wealthy—it’s essential for LGBTQ+ individuals and families who want to make sure their partners, kids, and chosen family are protected. As a gay dad and attorney, I know firsthand how important it is to have a plan that actually reflects your life. This blog breaks down why LGBTQ estate planning matters, what can go wrong without it, and how you can take the first step—without the overwhelm.

When someone dies without putting their wishes in writing, things get messy fast — even if “everyone knew” what they wanted. Verbal promises don’t hold up in probate, and when it comes to real estate, family dynamics, and legal costs, assumptions can turn into arguments. If you want to make sure your property goes to the right person — and avoid putting your loved ones in a stressful situation — you need more than good intentions. You need a will.

Marriage doesn’t automatically give you the legal authority to act on your spouse’s behalf. If your partner becomes incapacitated and you don’t have a power of attorney in place, you may be blocked from accessing accounts, managing bills, or even talking to their insurance provider. Love and commitment matter—but in the eyes of the law, it’s all about agency. And that has to be granted, not assumed.