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The Teacher Within: Channeling Debbie Downer (SNL) June 2020 Melinda Gustafson Gervasi, Attorney & Author More often than not, in my legal counsel, I am the Debbie Downer in the meeting.  My role as teacher to my clients requires it at times. Debbie Downer was a character on the NBC show Saturday Night Live played by actress Rachel Dratch who debuted in 2004.  The name "Debbie Downer" has become a slang phrase, meaning someone who frequently adds bad news and negative feelings to a gathering. In the end, she brings down the mood for everyone. For example: Great, you want your estate to go to your children if both spouses have died -- what happens if your children predecease you? Who will you name as a back-up health care agent if both you and your primary agent are in a car crash together and s/he cannot act? What happens to your estate if neither your spouse nor any of your children/grandchildren survive you? Keeping a will at home is dangerous -- there a...

Keeping An Estate Plan Organized During Chaotic Times By Attorney Melinda Gustafson Gervasi June 4, 2020 Estate planning to me is planning for three things: illness, death and taxes.  Not all estate plans look alike, but all should address these issues.  Your documents might include powers of attorney, beneficiary forms, authorization for burial, a will, and sometimes a trust.  But an estate plan goes beyond paperwork. Estate planning is the act of taking control.  Control includes saying who will do what, and where assets will go. However, control extends beyond putting your wishes in a legal binding format. It includes controlling your paperwork.  What good is an estate plan if it cannot be found when it is needed?  If a sudden illness or death happened tomorrow, would your loved ones know where to find your documents? A simple 3-ring binder clearly marked may serve you well.  Include subject dividers, but instead of saying math, science, and...