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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...

Legal Lessons from the Page: John Grisham’s "The Widow" and Finding the Right Advocate By Melinda Gustafson Gervasi April 6, 2026 If there is one thing John Grisham knows how to do, it is placing ordinary people in extraordinary legal peril. In his latest work, The Widow , we are once again reminded that the legal world can be a maze of high stakes, hidden motives, and complex paperwork. Without giving away the plot, the story follows the aftermath of a sudden death and a search for justice—and the truth—in a system that does not always make it easy. For most of us, our lives do not have elements of international legal thrillers. However, a core principle of this book resonates deeply with what I do every day. And that is the importance of having a trusted advocate in your corner when you prepare an estate plan.  For Grisham's latest book, an elderly women seeks out an attorney she can trust. That is not always an easy thing to asses or find.  It is my opinion that you d...