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Passing Down Memories: A Memorial Day Reflection on Rosie Grant’s To Die For: A Cookbook of Gravestone Recipes May 22, 2026 Melinda Gustafson Gervasi As we head into Memorial Day weekend, our calendars naturally fill with family gatherings, backyard cookouts, and shared meals that anchor our holiday traditions. It is a poignant time explicitly dedicated to remembrance, where the flavors on our tables often spark stories of the loved ones who first prepared them. This connection between memory and meals came alive beautifully during a recent gathering of my book group. I coordinate "Book Club with a Twist."; Unlike traditional clubs where everyone reads the same selection under strict deadlines, our members simply gather to report on what they have read lately. There is no pressure to finish a book or to choose something that appeals to the masses; instead, we are gently nudged to keep reading just to have a fresh discovery to share. The only true hazard of our untraditional f...

The Clear Path: What Bird Migration Can Teach Us About Estate Planning By Melinda Gustafson Gervasi May 15, 2026 It’s officially migration season here in Madison, Wisconsin . This week, I’ve been busy stocking my feeders and, more importantly, turning off my outdoor lights at night .  If you’ve been following the local news, you know that artificial light can disorient birds, leading them off-course during their long journey. By "dimming the lights," we provide them with a clear, safe passage. It occurred to me that estate planning is very much the same. Our goal is to remove the "glare" of confusion so our loved ones can navigate the probate process without getting lost. If you want to make your final affairs easier for those following behind you, here are five "navigation markers" you can set today: 1. Review Your Beneficiary Forms Think of these as your North Star. Because beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and life insurance policies typic...

From the Oval Office to the Junk Drawer: Learning to Curate a Legacy by Melinda Gustafson Gervasi May 8, 2026 I have a personal goal that takes me across the country: visiting every Presidential Library in the United States . During the Summer of 2024, my family and I drove from Madison, Wisconsin to Austin, Texas.  Along the way we saw friends, family, and five Presidential Libraries (pictures are below). I’m nearing the finish line, with only the Carter library in Georgia and the Nixon and Reagan libraries in California left on my list. Coming this summer I can add two more to the list: one, the Obama Presidential Center will open in Chicago this June; and two, the T heodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, North Dakota, with tickets offered July 4th of this year.  While I have no immediate travel plans, I am looking forward to visiting sometime soon.   Presidential libraries are fascinating because they represent a massive effort to archive, organize, a...

Estate Planning Independence: Why You Should Choose Your Agents Before a Judge Has To By Melinda Gustafson Gervasi May 1, 2026 When we talk about estate planning, we often focus on the "what"—what happens to the house, the bank accounts, or the sentimental heirlooms. But the "who" is arguably more important. Selecting an agent for your Power of Attorney for Health Care and your Power of Attorney for Finance is not a popularity contest. These are two distinct roles that require very different skill sets. While you might have one person who fits both molds, it is often wise to consider whether your "medical champion" is the same person as your "fiscal steward." The Health Care Agent: Your Medical Advocate This person is your voice when you are at your most vulnerable. They don’t just need to care about you; they need to be able to navigate the high-pressure environment of a hospital.  Who in your circle of friends and family checks these boxes: The...

The Missing Piece in Your Estate Planning Toolkit: Powers of Attorney By Melinda Gustafson Gervasi April 20, 2026 We all like to think we’re in control, but what happens when you’re suddenly not? Whether it’s an unexpected medical emergency or a simple accident, there's one type document that can make the difference between a smooth transition and a legal nightmare. Surprisingly, nearly 90% of American adults are missing it according to the most recent report by trust & will . This Monday, we’re talking about the documents you should not live without: the Power of Attorney. MarketWatch's article highlights a significant gap in Americans' estate planning -- only 1 in 10 Americans have a power of attorney in place. If you are one of the many without this key document, here are 5 things to know: A power of attorney comes in to play if you are alive, but unable to act due to illness or an accident. A will only says who is in charge if you have died; There are two types of p...

Monday Musings: Probate is a Marathon, Not a Sprint By Melinda Gustafson Gervasi April 13, 2026 Happy Monday, readers.  Spring has arrived!  For my family that means at least one night a week you will find me in the bleachers of a local high school, cheering on track and field athletes.  My own kids are out there, where they tackle long-distance track events.  Watching them has given me a fresh perspective on my work in probate. In a sprint, it’s all about explosive energy and immediate results. But probate? Probate is the 3200-meter run. It requires pacing, endurance, and a refusal to give up even if you are getting lapped.  If you have recently been appointed as an Executor (or as we say here in Wisconsin, Personal Representative), you might feel the urge to sprint to the finish line. My advice? Find your stride first. Here are three things to do in "Lap One" to ensure you do not crash and burn before the finish: 1. Survey the Track (Secure the Tangibles) Befo...