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20 Years of Probate, 5 Common Mistakes: What Not to Put in Your Will By Melinda Gustafson Gervasi June 5, 2026 What is a Will, Anyway?  At its core, a Last Will and Testament is a legal document with a specific, focused job: it directs how your probate assets should be distributed after you pass away, and it names the person (the personal representative or executor) responsible for making sure those wishes are carried out. Think of it as the ultimate set of instructions for your probate estate.  Note -- probate assets are those assets that have no co-owner or named beneficiary.  If an asset has a co-owner or named beneficiary, that asset will pass to the person(s) named directly, ignoring the will and avoiding the probate process.  Because a will has such a specific purpose, cramming it full of every final thought, personal detail, or medical wish can actually cause major legal headaches. Over my two decades of practicing estate planning and probate law, I’ve seen a ...

Passports, Packing, and Peace of Mind: The One Thing You Should Not Forget to Pack By Melinda Gustafson Gervasi May 29, 2026 For many, the official launch of summer travel season is here or right around the corner. According to AAA, 45 million Americans traveled over the recent Memorial Day holiday weekend. Homes across America are filled with the chaotic energy of trip preparation: laying out outfits, double-checking flight times, holding the mail, and tracking down that one elusive phone charger.  You are busy making lists to ensure you don’t forget the essentials.  The front door is locked, the thermostat is set, and the mail is on hold.  You are ready to go, but did you overlook a key item? If you are leaving home without your Power of Attorney for Health Care, stop and add this crucial document to your suitcase or carry-on.  A Power of Attorney for Health Care is a document that designates a trusted person to make medical decisions for you if you become incapac...

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...