How Deep is Your Bench? What the World Cup Can Teach Us About Estate Planning

By Melinda Gustafson Gervasi
How Deep is Your Bench? What the World Cup Can Teach Us About Estate Planning
By Melinda Gustafson Gervasi
July 17, 2026

Worldwide, it is anticipated that 1.5 billion (yes, that is with a "b" not an "m") are expected to watch the World Cup Final this Sunday when Spain takes on Argentina.  Even I will tune in, having recently fallen in love with this sport that seems to be unifying people from across the globe. But I won't try and fool you that I know much of anything about soccer.  What I know about the sport can be sourced to watching episodes of Ted Lasso and a few pointers I picked up watching the Ghana vs. Panama match I attended while in Toronto this past June.  My knowledge is limited, yet I have heard it said that championship depends on the "depth of the bench".  Basically, the term refers to the overall quality, skill, and reliability of the substitute players on a roster.  I emphasized the word substitute because it serves as the inspiration for today's post.  How deep is your bench when it comes to your Estate Plan? 

World Cup - Toronto June 2026: Ghana vs. Panama

When people sit down to draft a Will, a Financial Power of Attorney, or a Health Care Power of Attorney, they naturally focus on their primary choice. They name their spouse, an adult child, or a sibling.  When working with clients, I always urge them to give strong consideration to whom they name as second and quite possibly third.  Life, just like soccer, is unpredictable.  What if the primary person you named to act for you is in the car with you when a drunk driver crosses the center lane?  My apologies for being dramatic, but it is a good tool to highlight weakness is a game plan.  Any of the following scenarios may unfold: 
  • Simultaneous emergencies: You and your primary agent are in the same accident.
  • Life transitions: Your primary choice has aged, moved across the country, or is dealing with their own health or family crisis.
  • The "No-Show": Your executor or agent simply decides they are too overwhelmed by the emotional weight of your passing or illness to serve.
If your primary agent cannot or will not serve—and you have not named a backup—your document effectively benches itself and becomes useless. If you are incapacitated, your family may have to head to a court to petition for an expensive, time-consuming guardianship hearing to settle who can make your decisions. If you have passed away, your estate may get tangled up in delays while the court appoints an administrator.  Avoid those delays and nominate a strong successor in your documents. 

A great estate plan does not just plan for your peace of mind.  A great estate plan is prepared for the unexpected. Before you sit down to watch the final whistle blow this weekend, take a look at your own legal roster.  Is it detailed enough for you to jump out of your chair and yell "GOOOOAAAALLLLLL!"?




Remember, a blog is not legal advice. It is meant to spark thought and reflection. It is best to speak with an attorney in your home state for advice specific to your situation. Thanks for reading, and be well. Help power most posts with the Buy Me a Coffee icon!

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