Apollo's Lesson: What The Film, The Friend, Teaches Us About Pet Trusts

Apollo's Lesson: What The Film, The Friend, Teaches Us About Pet Trusts

By Melinda Gustafson Gervasi

October 24, 2025

Times change, even at libraries. NPR recently ran the story 7 surprising ways the public library can save you money.  Long a fan of my public library, my current library card use centers around borrowing DVDs.  It’s a frugal and practical way to watch films that always seem to leave theaters before I get around to buying a ticket.  A recent library loan was the 2025 film, The Friend.  

Based on the novel by Sigrid Nunez, the movie centers on Iris (played by Naomi Watts), a writer living a solitary life in a small, rent-controlled New York apartment. Her comfortable existence is thrown into chaos when her closest friend and mentor, Walter (played by Bill Murray), dies suddenly by suicide and, leaving behind Apollo, his beloved 150-pound Great Dane. Without any legal plan in play for his companion, Apollo finds his way to Iris’ apartment, which does not allow pets.  The film explores the challenges of mourning the loss of a close friend at the same time as attempting to care for their beloved pet.  

Caring for the pet of someone who has passed away is a topic I’ve written about over the years.  Long ago I faced the challenge of re-homing The Boys, my mom’s two senior cats who needed a new home following her prolonged illness and death.  Over a decade later I still recall the feeling in my stomach as person after person said “I wish I could, but I cannot afford their monthly medications”.  Impacted by this experience, I have made certain our four cats have a pet trust should my husband and I pass away.  A cat who comes with financial support, even a little, is far easier to re-home than one that has nothing but a list of monthly expenses. My commitment to planning for our furry family members was reinforced while watching The Friend.  With a simple will and a few extra paragraphs, Apollo’s path to a new home may have been far easier.

A pet trust is a vehicle that holds both your pet(s) – technically they are your property – as well as some money you determine in your will.  The document names a primary and secondary caretaker of your animals as well as a primary and secondary trustee.  A trustee handles the administrative matters for the trust: paying bills, investing the money, and filing tax returns are a few examples. Funds inside the trust can pay for medications, medical care, food, grooming, and end of life care. When the last of the animals passes away, the remaining funds can be distributed.  Many clients name the caretaker or a nonprofit focused on animal welfare and rescue. 

Pet trusts may sound overly complicated or too sophisticated for your needs.  When should you consider setting up a pet trust?  Here are a situations that I think warrant a discussion of whether or not this tool belongs in your estate plan:

• When a Pet Has Special Needs or Expensive Care: If your pet requires ongoing prescription medication, frequent veterinary care for a chronic condition, a highly specific diet, or expensive specialized training, a trust ensures the necessary funds are legally dedicated to maintaining that high standard of care. 
• For Long-Lived or Exotic Animals: Pets with exceptionally long lifespans, such as parrots, horses, or certain turtles, may easily outlive any initially appointed caregiver. A pet trust provides a structure for multiple successor caregivers and ensures financial resources are available for several decades of care. 
• For Owners of a Hobby Farm or Multiple Animals: A single pet trust can manage the care for a large group of animals, such as horses, goats, or chickens, which are typically expensive to maintain and relocate. The trust can detail specific instructions for their feed, farrier and veterinary schedules, or even direct their placement to a suitable animal sanctuary, ensuring all farm animals are protected. 
• When the Designated Caregiver Faces Financial Hardship: If your preferred caregiver is willing but would struggle to afford the pet's upkeep (especially in the case of large, older, or special-needs pets), a funded pet trust removes the financial burden, legally enabling them to provide the best care without sacrificing their own financial stability.

Tiberius, the youngest of our 4 cats.  He joined the family two years ago.

Thanks for reading.  A blog is meant to spark thought and reflection, it is not legal advice.  Please consult an attorney in your home state for advice specific to your situation.  Never miss a new post!  Enter your email (upper right of this page) and receive a message when a new post publishes.

Make The Right Choice: 5 Traits of a Fiscally Responsible Personal Representative

Make The Right Choice: 5 Traits of a Fiscally Responsible Personal Representative

By Melinda Gustafson Gervasi

October 17, 2025

Image by M. Gustafson Gervasi 2025

Choosing a Personal Representative (also known as an Executor in other states) is one of the most critical decisions you'll make when drafting your will. This person will step into your shoes, manage your finances, and settle your affairs after you're gone.

This role is not a ceremonial title; it's a serious legal and financial responsibility. A poor choice can lead to family disputes, unnecessary expenses, and months—or even years—of probate headaches. When selecting your representative, look for these five non-negotiable traits that define fiscal responsibility.

1. Strong Organizational and Record-Keeping Skills 

This is the most fundamental trait. A personal representative is essentially the temporary financial manager of an estate, and their success hinges on their ability to organize. This is not a "shoebox of receipts" job; it's a meticulous accounting task.

They must be able to:

• Create and Maintain a Comprehensive Inventory: This includes cataloging all assets (e.g., bank accounts, real estate, investments, personal property) and liabilities (e.g., debts, bills, taxes).
• Keep Meticulous Records: They must track every dollar of income (e.g., dividends, rental income) and every expense (e.g., funeral costs, legal fees, property taxes). They must be able to produce a clear, auditable accounting for the court and beneficiaries.
• Establish a Separate Estate Account: The cardinal rule is no commingling of funds. Establishing a separate estate bank account is essential to prevent mixing personal funds with estate funds, a significant "no-no" that can lead to personal liability.

2. Financial Acumen and Sound Judgment

Your personal representative doesn't need to be a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), but they should possess a basic understanding of financial concepts and, more importantly, sound judgment.

A fiscally responsible representative knows how to:

• Manage the Estate Budget: They must understand how to budget and manage cash flow to ensure there are enough liquid funds to cover all necessary estate expenses.
• Recognize the Need for Professional Help: A savvy representative knows their role is to oversee the process, not to be an expert in every area. They're quick to seek assistance from an attorney, CPA, or financial advisor when necessary.
• Make Prudent Decisions: This includes making well-informed choices about liquidating assets, managing investments, and paying debts. For example, they need to know the proper order for paying off creditors to avoid the estate (and themselves) incurring personal liability for missteps.

3. Impeccable Integrity and Honesty

A personal representative is a fiduciary, meaning they have a legal duty to act in the absolute best interest of the estate and its beneficiaries, even if it conflicts with their own interests. This relationship is built on trust and a commitment to transparency.

This requires them to:

• Avoid Self-Dealing: They must never use estate assets for personal gain and must be completely transparent about any potential conflicts of interest.
• Act with Loyalty and Impartiality: Their duty is to the deceased's wishes as outlined in the Will. This means they must remain impartial to all beneficiaries, which is especially critical if the personal representative is also a beneficiary.
• Maintain Confidentiality: They will be entrusted with highly sensitive financial information and must be trusted to handle it with the utmost discretion.

4. Patience and Strong Communication Skills 

Administering an estate is often a long, complex, and emotionally charged process. It requires more than just financial skills; it demands "people skills" to keep the process moving smoothly.

A good representative must be:

• An Effective Communicator: They need to provide clear, regular updates to all parties involved—beneficiaries, the probate court, creditors, and professional advisors. This transparency is the best way to prevent disputes and build trust.
• Diplomatic and Resilient: They must be able to handle potential family conflicts and beneficiary disagreements over asset distribution with grace and patience.
• A Realistic Expectation Manager: They should be upfront about the typical timeline and the legal complexities of the probate process, ensuring beneficiaries aren't left in the dark wondering what's happening.

5. Availability and Commitment 

Administering an estate is a significant time commitment that can take months or even years to fully complete. It can be just as demanding as a part-time job during certain periods.

Therefore, the person you choose must:

• Have the Time and Willingness to Do the Work: They need to be someone who is not already overwhelmed by their own professional or personal obligations. The time commitment is not fair to someone who has to squeeze it in late at night.
• Live in a Manageable Location: While not always a requirement, a local personal representative can often handle tasks like dealing with property, bank visits, and court filings more efficiently and cost-effectively than someone who has to travel from a great distance.

Here is the bottom line: Choosing a Personal Representative is a decision that requires careful thought, not just sentimentality. By selecting a person who embodies these five traits, you ensure your final wishes are handled with the financial prudence, legal integrity, and organizational rigor they deserve.

Thank you for reading.  Remember a blog is not legal advice; it is meant to spark thought and reflection.  It is best to seek legal counsel from an attorney licensed in your home state.  If you found this post helpful, please consider sharing it on your favorite social media platform.  Be well!

Asset Inventory Alert: Don't Drop the Ball on These Overlooked Estate Items

Asset Inventory Alert: Don't Drop the Ball on These Overlooked Estate Items

By Melinda Gustafson Gervasi

October 10, 2025

It was a perfect Saturday in August.  Mild temps and clear skies.  My family piled into my SUV and headed north to Lambeau Field for a match-up between the Green Bay Packers and my son’s beloved Seattle Seahawks.  It was a pre-season game, explaining why we were able to affordably purchase four tickets to the game. 

The Packer franchise is legendary selling out every game, but also for having the longest wait list (reported as 140,000) for season tickets. Our trek to Green Bay and back provided several hours for family banter, bouncing around our favorite topics.  My comments touched on the place season tickets to the Packer Games can take in estate planning.  “Really, people can pick who inherits their tickets!!!”  my kids half asked, half expressed shock from the back seat. “Yes!  I have had several clients lucky enough to hold season tickets, and they all made plans for what happens to them at death.”  The answer is quite easy, all you need to do is Google it and you’ll get a link to the Packer’s web site with a form to complete a beneficiary form for season tickets.  My question to you reader, is what item might you own that should be included in your estate planning, but has been overlooked?

As an estate planning and probate attorney, I know that unique and valuable assets can be overlooked, leading to family tension and lost value.  For example:

• Valuable Collections and Hobbies: Whether it's a fine wine cellar, an extensive stamp or coin collection, rare comic books, or high-end equipment for a passion like a professional-grade telescope or expensive photography gear. These items often have significant monetary and sentimental value, and simply stating "all personal property" may not capture your specific wishes for who should inherit them.
• Digital Assets and Online Accounts: From cryptocurrency holdings to the monetized content on your blog or YouTube channel to frequent flyer miles—your digital life has real value. Leaving a complete list of digital assets and how to access them is essential for your Personal Representative to fulfill their fiduciary duty to handle your estate.
• Intellectual Property and Royalties: Do you receive royalties from a book you wrote, a patent you filed, or music you composed? These ongoing income streams need to be specifically directed. Without clear instructions, the rights and payments can become tied up in probate, delaying income for your beneficiaries.
• Expensive Tools, Machinery, or Specialty Vehicles: Think beyond the family car. If you own a classic car, a motorcycle, a specialized tractor, or a fully outfitted ham radio shack with costly machinery, a simple list of who gets which item can prevent disagreements among heirs who may all want the valuable equipment or help your Personal Representative recognize tools with value that can be liquidated and added to your estate. 

As you work on your estate plan, aim for the Hall of Fame in planning just like our beloved Green Bay Packers.  If you are fortunate enough to hold season tickets, make certain the tickets—and everything else you own—go exactly where you intend. Go Pack Go!

Remember that a blog is not legal advice.  It is meant to spark thought and reflection.  Seek counsel from a licensed attorney in your home state.  If you found this post helpful, consider sharing it on your favorite social media platform.  Be well, and thanks for reading!

20 Years, 5 Questions: How the Five Ws Can Build Your Perfect Estate Plan

20 Years, 5 Questions: How the Five Ws Can Build Your Perfect Estate Plan

By Melinda Gustafson Gervasi

October 3, 2025

This past Wednesday marked my 20th anniversary of operating my legal practice, where I focus on estate planning and probate administration.  Looking back, I can now say that every estate plan, regardless of its size or complexity, is a direct answer to the most fundamental questions of life and death: the Five Ws. These journalistic essentials—Who, What, When, Where, and Why—form the backbone of both proper planning. Today I want to explore five essential questions everyone must face when creating an estate plan. 

Who - when making the decision to name people for certain roles in your estate plan be honest with yourself.  Who is best equipped to handle health care decisions if they are your agent for the power of attorney for health care? Who do you trust with your checkbook if you are alive but too sick to manage your finances? And who is most like Switzerland for managing your final affairs under a will; meaning who is precise, efficient, and neutral?

What - ask yourself what assets will make up your estate.  Keep in mind that you own two types of assets: probate assets which do not have a clear label on them about where they go when you die; and non-probate assets which have either a co-owner or beneficiary indicating where they will be distributed upon your death.  A will distributes only your probate property.  A common example of probate property is a home owned by a single person.  A common example of a nonprobate property is a life insurance policy with a completed beneficiary form. 

When - the best time to do an estate plan is now.  Do not wait until you are in the middle of a health crisis.  While a plan can be created in the midst of a health care situation, it is less than ideal.  The recent pandemic taught us that we never know when illness may strike, and that finding appropriate witnesses and a notary can be a challenge. 

Where - once created, give good consideration to where you will keep your final paperwork.  It is horrible to think of the time and money you spend on a plan to have it then lost or misplaced when it is needed.  Come up with a plan, and share the location with the people you have named in the documents so that it can be accessed if you are unable to communicate.

Why - ask yourself why you want to create a plan.  Is it to take control of a situation?  Is it to protect your loved ones?  Is it to be charitable at the end of life?  Knowing a specific goal (or two) helps you settle on which legal instrument to create when setting up an estate plan. 

Twenty years has taught me that estate planning isn't just about documents; it's about decisions. By consciously answering the Five Ws—determining Who will act, clarifying What you own, deciding When the plan is created, ensuring Where it can be found, and knowing Why you're doing it—you eliminate guesswork, reduce complexity, and replace worry with certainty. If these questions have sparked a realization that your answers aren't yet clear, the best time to act is now. Don't leave your legacy up to chance; schedule a time to finalize your answers and protect the people you love.

Thank you for reading.  Know that a blog is not legal advice. Rather, it is meant to spark thought and reflection.  I encourage you to seek advice from an attorney licensed in your state for counsel related to your unique situation.  If you found this post helpful, please consider sharing it on your favorite social media platform.  Be well!

More than Just a Movie: What Manchester by the Sea Teaches Us About Guardianship

More than Just a Movie: What Manchester by the Sea Teaches Us About Guardianship

By Melinda Gustafson Gervasi

September 26, 2025

Scanning the shelf of recently returned DVDs at my local library branch my eyes landed on the film Manchester by the Sea.  A faint memory clicked in my brain; this was a film I had wanted to see.  I added it to my stack of library materials, checked out, and headed home.  Looking up the film I learned that in 2017 it was nominated for 6 Oscars, including best picture.  Actor Casey Affleck won for best actor, and writer and director Kenneth Lonergan was awarded Best Original Screenplay.

As the end credits ran, it was obvious why the film had garnered critical acclaim. The film tells the story of Lee Chandler, a Boston janitor who becomes the sole guardian of his teenage nephew, Patrick, after his brother, Joe, unexpectedly dies from a heart condition.  Lee returns to his hometown of Manchester, Massachusetts, to handle Joe's funeral arrangements and is surprised to discover that his brother named him as Patrick's legal guardian in his will.

The movie's central conflict revolves around this legal designation. Lee, emotionally scarred by a past family tragedy, is reluctant to take on the responsibility. He initially tries to find a way to avoid the guardianship, suggesting that Patrick live with a family friend or even his estranged mother. However, Patrick is adamant about staying in his hometown, where he has friends, a girlfriend, and a life he doesn't want to leave behind.

The legal weight of Joe's will is a constant presence. It's the reason Lee has to stay in Manchester and confront his past. The will's provision ensures that Patrick's care is legally entrusted to a family member, reflecting Joe's wishes. The film highlights how a will isn't just a document for distributing assets; it's a critical tool for protecting a minor's well-being and a way for parents to ensure their children are cared for by someone they trust. It also poignantly illustrates the immense personal and emotional burden that can accompany the legal responsibility of a guardianship. The central dilemma of the movie is whether Lee will be able to overcome his grief and accept this role, fulfilling his brother's wishes and providing a stable home for his nephew.  I will not spoil the ending for you in case you opt to watch it yourself.

Storytelling entertains us, allows us to bond and connect, and it provides education.  Manchester by the Sea is a powerful reminder that when nominating a person in your will to be the guardian of your minor child(ren), be realistic.  Is this something that person can handle, and handle well?  This is not the time for Pollyannaish thinking; be realistic. Here are some factors to consider when deciding who is the right guardian, and successor, named in your will:

• Does the person share similar views to you on the rhythm of daily life, religion, finances, and education?
• Does the person have sufficient time to welcome your child(ren) to their home and daily life?  
• What sort of relationship does this person currently have with your child(ren).  Are they close enough for trust and safety to be felt by a child going through a crisis?
• For older kids (think 12 and up), who would they want to live with if a guardian were needed?  For many teens the bonds with school friends and teammates can be strong and powerful.  Sometimes a blood relative is not the best fit for a teen bonded with their tight-knit friend group.

From my perspective as an estate planning and probate attorney I see many couples come into to create a first estate plan AFTER the kids have left the home.  Oftentimes it was indecision or conflict about naming a guardian that prevented them from doing a will earlier.  “We couldn’t settle on a guardian, so we just avoided doing a plan.  Now the kids are older, and we don’t have that blockage.”  I get it, I’m a parent.  No one person will be the perfect fit during an unthinkable time.  Yet, if the unthinkable happens, a will is the legal way to tell the court who should step in.  Parents are likely the best suited people to make that decision.  Look at your options, be realistic, and make it legally binding by signing a will. 

I highly recommend the film Manchester by the Sea.  The storytelling is powerful, it will make you think, and it will make you feel.  It will also spark quality discussions about a critically important decision parents make. 

Please keep in mind that a blog is not legal advice.  Use it to foster discussion and reflection.  For legal advice specific to your situation, consult an attorney licensed in the state where you live.  If you find this post helpful, consider sharing it on your favorite social media platform. Thanks for reading, be well.

 

More Than Words: Understanding Obituaries, Eulogies, and Other Tributes

More Than Words: Understanding Obituaries, Eulogies, and Other Tributes

By Melinda Gustafson Gervasi

September 19, 2025

The recliner in my dad’s hospital room was brown, a beige blanket covered my legs, and the computer screen emitted blue light. These things I clearly remember.  Sixteen years ago this week, sometime past midnight on a random weeknight, I nestled in the recliner.  Taking refuge with my computer while my dad rested and was finally sedate, I faced the truth.  My dad had entered hospice care.  Soon the family would need to provide information to the hospital, funeral home, and others.  Sorting this out in a state of grief was not ideal.  If you can, face the reality that we will all be leaving this earth and that a loved one will need to furnish basic information.  Pulling information together yourself can be a lovely gift to your loved ones.  

During moments like this emotions are high and details can be overwhelming. Having lived this experience at both the death of my father (2009) and my mother (2014), I am also an estate planning and probate attorney.  My work brings me close to families during times of loss. One common area of confusion is the language used to talk about the deceased. While terms like "obituary," "eulogy," and "benediction" are often used interchangeably, they each have a distinct purpose and place.

Knowing the difference isn't just a matter of semantics—it can help you navigate funeral planning, understand the flow of a memorial service, and honor your loved one in a way that feels right. Let’s break down these common terms.

Obituary: The Factual Announcement

Think of an obituary as a public, written announcement of a person’s death. It’s a formal notice meant to inform the community.

What it is: A brief, factual article published in a newspaper or online.

What it includes: Key details like the person’s name, age, date of death, and a short summary of their life and accomplishments. It will also provide information about upcoming funeral or memorial services.

Who writes it: Typically a family member, often with the help of a funeral home, and it’s usually written in the third person.

In essence, an obituary is a public record. It provides the necessary facts for those who knew the deceased to learn of their passing and attend services.

Eulogy: The Personal Tribute

A eulogy is a deeply personal, spoken tribute to the deceased.

What it is: A speech given at a funeral or memorial service.

What it includes: It focuses on celebrating the person's life, character, and legacy. It's a chance to share personal stories, memories, and reflections that capture the essence of who they were.

Who delivers it: A close family member, friend, or colleague who knew the deceased well.

Unlike a factual obituary, a eulogy is a heartfelt narrative. Its purpose is not just to announce a death, but to paint a picture of a life well-lived and provide comfort to those who are grieving.

Benediction: The Religious Blessing

A benediction is a formal, religious act that's often part of a funeral service.

What it is: A short prayer or blessing that concludes a religious service.

What it includes: It is a closing statement, delivered by a clergy member, asking for God’s blessing upon the attendees. It is not about the deceased themselves, but about providing spiritual comfort and a sense of closure to the congregation.

Who delivers it: A priest, pastor, rabbi, or other religious leader.

A benediction is a specific component of a religious service, distinct from the personal reflections shared in a eulogy.

Other Important Terms to Know

Death Notice: This is a much shorter version of an obituary. It’s simply a very brief, paid announcement in a newspaper that provides only essential information, such as the person’s name and the time and place of their funeral.

Memorial Service vs. Funeral Service: A funeral service is a ceremony with the body or cremated remains present. A memorial service is a ceremony held to honor the deceased but without the body present.

Homily: In a religious funeral service, a homily is a sermon given by the clergy that reflects on religious texts and offers spiritual guidance. While it may reference the deceased, its primary purpose is religious instruction and comfort, not a personal tribute.

Celebration of Life: This term describes a less formal memorial gathering. The focus is on celebrating the person’s life rather than mourning their death, often with music, food, and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Icelandic Cairn. Image by M. Gustafson Gervasi 2025

Preparing this information now is one of the greatest gifts you can give your family. It alleviates stress during a time of grief and ensures your life story is told accurately and beautifully.

For the Obituary (Factual & Public)

• Full Name & Nicknames: Your legal name and any names you were commonly known by.
• Birth & Death Information: Your date of birth, place of birth, and date of death (this will be added later, but your birth details are crucial).
• Parents' Names: Your parents' full names, including your mother's maiden name.
• Survivors: A list of surviving family members, including their full names and relationship to you (e.g., spouse, children, siblings, grandchildren).
• Predeceased Family: A list of family members who have passed away before you, including their names and relationship to you.
• Accomplishments & Milestones: Key life achievements, such as military service, degrees earned, notable career highlights, or significant volunteer work.

For the Eulogy (Personal & Story-Driven)

• A Personal Bio/Narrative: A short summary of your life in your own words. Include things that matter to you, such as your values, hobbies, and passions.
• Memorable Stories: Write down a few of your favorite anecdotes or life stories. What are the moments you'd want people to remember? What made you laugh?
• Favorite Quotes & Sayings: A list of quotes or personal phrases you often used. This helps to capture your voice.
• Character Traits: Describe your personality. Were you known for your kindness, sense of humor, wisdom, or perseverance?
• Impact on Others: Note how you would want people to remember you. What was your most significant impact on your friends, family, or community?
• Favorite Music, Poems, or Scriptures: A list of songs or verses that have personal meaning to you and that you would like to be included in your service.

For the Funeral/Memorial Service (Logistical)

• Service Preferences: Do you want a religious or secular service? A formal funeral or a more casual "celebration of life"?
• Location & Type of Service: Where would you like the service to be held? (e.g., a place of worship, a park, a funeral home). 
• Speakers: Who would you like to speak at your service? (e.g., a specific friend, a family member). 
• Pallbearers: If applicable, a list of people you would like to serve as pallbearers. 
• Charitable Donations: If you prefer donations in your memory over flowers, list the names of the organizations. 
• Final Resting Place: Your wishes regarding burial, cremation, or scattering of ashes.

 A blog is not legal advice.  It is intended to spark thought and reflection.  Please consult with an attorney is your state of residence for legal advice specific to your situation.  If you found this post helpful, please consider sharing it on your favorite social media platform.  Best wishes, and thank you for reading.

On Your Marks. Set. Go! Take Control of Your Estate Plan

On Your Marks. Set. Go! Take Control of Your Estate Plan

By Melinda Gustafson Gervasi

September 12, 2025

Summer of 2025 brought an unplanned hiatus here on Navigator.  Efforts in late June to tame the jungle in our backyard led me down a path of medical intervention.  Unfortunately my weeding path must have hit a patch of poison ivy, which I am apparently highly allergic to.  Multiple doctors visits and nearly 8 weeks of steroid pills later, I’m feeling much better.  The yard remains an overgrown mess.  

Travel in early August took me to Las Vegas to attend the 59th Star Trek convention with my family.  “I married into the franchise” best describes why I made my way to a city that is not really my cup of tea.  The people I love the most in this world LOVE the Star Trek franchise.  From the Original Series to the current production of Strange New Worlds, they will dominate any trivia game associated with Trek. Trust me, if you have to spend a few days in Vegas, in August of all times, hang out with Trek Fans.  They are highly educated, kind, and favor cookies more than shots of booze. 

Now it is September.  As the Northern Hemisphere tilts on its axis away from the sun, light rays come at a slant that is ideal for capturing images from my kids’ high school cross country meets.  On Your Mark, Set, Go!  It’s time to resume my weekly posts, where I aim to share lessons from my work as an estate planning and probate attorney.  Melding my summer experiences with the start of another cross country season in my home, I leave you with this:

On Your Mark.  It’s time to prepare for the race. End your procrastination.  Survey your situation with estate planning.  What is out of date?  What is missing?  For example - did any key player in your estate plan die in the past year?  If so, it’s time to update your documents. 

Set. Get into position and be ready to explode with power. This is the phase where you schedule an appointment with your attorney to make updates.  If you handle these things on your own, set aside a 4 hour window on your calendar that you assign to complete the update.

Go! Launches you out of a stationary position.  Sign your new forms.  Having a draft is not sufficient.  Put ink to paper and put this needed update behind you.  

If you feel stuck, remember that illness can strike at any time.  Out of the blue you may find yourself in far more medical appointments than you had planned.  If you cannot decide on who to name, focus on the people in your life that are smart, kind, and responsible.   That may be your relatives, or it may be your chosen family.  It’s time to put the chaos that can come with summer living behind us.  Focus and take control of your estate plan.  As I tell my kids the morning of a cross country meet, you’ve got this!

Image by M. Gustafson Gervasi September 2025

Thanks for reading.  If you find my posts helpful, consider sharing them on your favorite social media platform.  And remember, a blog is not a lawyer.  Posts are not legal advice, but are aimed to get you thinking and talking about issues that we all face.  Be well, and thanks for reading!