Navigator

Lessons from the Sidelines: What Cross Country Teaches Us About Estate Planning By Melinda Gustafson Gervasi September 18, 2026 O'Dark Thirty -- the phrase we parents of High School Cross Country runners refer to when our alarms ring at 5am on a Saturday morning.  From late August through the end of October my weekends kickoff on the sidelines of meets where my teenagers are doing their best to PR (personal record) in a 5K race.  I stand on the sideline with a cowbell in hand (a custom among the Vel Philips Memorial High School Girls XC team) cheering as a sea of runners surges past into the woods. My message from the spectator line is always the same: Dig deep, keep your pace, and do not leave anything on the course. Standing out on those courses week after week offers a great reminder of how long-distance running mirrors life—and specifically, how we care for our legal plans. A common misconception about estate planning is that it’s a 100-meter sprint: you push hard, draft t...

A Clear September Morning: Why We Plan for the Unthinkable By Melinda Gustafson Gervasi September 11, 2026 Every year as September 11th approaches, my mind drifts back to that morning in Madison. It was what locals often call "Chamber of Commerce weather"—a crisp, brilliant blue sky, perfectly calm, the kind of autumn day where everything feels right with the world.  And then, in an instant, tragedy struck.  My grandmother said it shook her the same was as the bombing of Pearl Harbor.  I once called Washington, D.C. home for a three year period of time, and work assignments in the mid-1990s allowed me to spend substantial time in New York City. The news felt painfully close.  I knew people living in those cities, walking those streets, and event working at The Pentagon. September 11th taught all of us a heavy, irreversible truth: life can turn on a dime, without warning or room for preparation. As an estate planning attorney, I talk with clients every day about ...

3 Beneficiary Form Mistakes That Can Sabotage Your Estate Plan By Melinda Gustafson Gervasi September 4, 2026 It's early September -- trees begin to show their colors, kids are back in school, and football is back on TV.  It is also Life Insurance Awareness Month.  From my vantage point as an estate planning and probate attorney I see this as an ideal opportunity to revisit one of the most powerful, yet often misunderstood, tools in personal finance -- the beneficiary form for life insurance.  When people think about estate planning, they usually picture formal documents: a will, a Revocable Living Trust, or Powers of Attorney. But for many individuals and families, a significant portion of their wealth does not pass through a will at all. It passes directly through beneficiary designations on assets, life insurance in particular.  Because life insurance proceeds pass by contract directly to whoever is named on that single piece of paper (known as a beneficiary form)...

Planning for the Whole Family: 5 Pet Estate Essentials for Rainbow Bridge Day By Melinda Gustafson Gervasi August 28, 2026 Today marks " Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day "—a quiet moment on the calendar dedicated to honoring the beloved companion animals who have shared our homes and hearts.  For many of us, our pets are not just animals; they are family members. And as our dogs, cats, and other companions age or navigate chronic illnesses, their daily care becomes more complex. We track medication schedules, cook specialized diets, and adjust our living spaces to keep them comfortable. While Rainbow Bridge Day is a time to look back with gratitude on those we’ve lost, it is also a meaningful reminder to look forward. If something were to happen to you tomorrow, who would manage your senior cat’s insulin injections or ensure your arthritic dog has their orthopedic bed? Here are 5 critical steps to address pet care in your estate plan—with a special focus on elderly or special-n...

From Safe Harbors to Solid Ground: Why Your Estate Plan Should Be a Beacon By Melinda Gustafson Gervasi August 21, 2026 When the newly formed United States Congress passed the Lighthouse Act on August 7, 1789, it was not just authorizing public infrastructure; it was providing a vital survival mechanism. Backed by President George Washington, the act ensured that dangerous coastlines were marked and that ships navigating treacherous waters had a constant, reliable point of reference. A lighthouse did not sit quietly in the dark waiting to be discovered—its entire purpose was to cut through the fog and project a steady beam, warning mariners of hidden rocks and guiding them safely into port long before a crisis hit. Too often, families treat their estate plans the exact opposite way. They spend time and money drafting complex wills, trusts, and healthcare directives, only to fold them up and bury them deep in a filing cabinet or a dusty desk drawer. Out of sight and out of mind, these d...

August 14th: Today’s Estate Planning Post is Brought to You by the Number 14 By Melinda Gustafson Gervasi August 14, 2026 If you grew up watching public television , you might remember a certain jazzy, animated train that used to chug along the tracks, enthusiastically counting all the way up to 14.  But today, on August 14th, we are not counting freight cars. We’re looking at your filing cabinet.  While the world has gone largely digital, there are still certain critical documents where a PDF on a laptop just won't cut it in an emergency. If your family ever needs to step in to handle your affairs or settle an estate, they will need the real deal. In honor of today's date, here are the 14 essential legal and financial documents you should print out, organize, and keep as hard copies in your home right now. Power of Attorney for Health Care and Power of Attorney for Finances; Authorization for Final Disposition (Wisconsin residents) or paperwork related to burial Deed for your...

# The Real College Packing List: Why Legal Documents Belong Next to the Mini-Fridge By Melinda Gustafson Gervasi August 7, 2026 Okay, so he's starting his senior year of high-school....but my "type A" mind is already zooming ahead to next year, the year he'll head off to college.  My oldest is just in the college application phase, but my strategic mind is already thinking about packing lists.  So much so I kept the box from a recent printer I bought, saying "this will come in handy when you move into the dorms".  He gave me a knowing look and kindly let my hyper-planning brain spin.   This looming life event shows up in my YouTube feed as well.  I found myself watching a Holderness video in which their daughter provides advice on kids heading off to college.  The packing list contains the obvious: Twin XL sheets, a shower caddy, a mini-fridge, endless boxes of snacks, and... if you are my child, a healthcare power of attorney. If you look at typical b...

Growing Up, Moving On: Why Your Estate Plan Needs to Evolve as Your Kids Hit Their Teens By Melinda Gustafson Gervasi July 31, 2026 The days are long, but the years are short.  If you are a parent of a teen or young adult you likely just nodded in agreement.  In what feels like a blink of the eye, my youngest just celebrated her Sweet 16 earlier this week.  Before she was born, even before her older brother was born, my estate plan was drafted to plan for the children we hoped for down the road.  Yes, I am that "type A" of a person, but as an estate planning attorney I knew it would be less emotional to write before I had a small bundle in my arms.  When you first draft an estate plan with young children, the focus is almost entirely on protection and survival. You are consumed by the heavy "what-ifs": Who will raise them if the worst happens? How will they be financially supported until they reach adulthood? At that stage, guardian designations and straightforw...

National Drive-Thru Day: Why There is No "Value Menu" for a Good Will By Melinda Gustafson Gervasi July 24, 2026 Today is July 24th, which means it is officially National Drive-Thru Day . It is a celebration of the ultimate American innovation of convenience. We’ve all relied on them. You pull up to a speaker, read off a standardized menu, hand over a few dollars, and a minute later, a paper bag is handed through your car window. It is cheap, it is fast, and it satisfies an immediate need.  Parenting two teenagers who run cross country as well as track means we have our fair share of trips through the Culver's drive-thru.  It's fast and relatively affordable.  But it's not exactly a quality meal for two athletes.  We are living in the digital age.  Are you bombarded with social media ads for online will kits or do you receive email offers from a nonprofit you donate to that wants to give you a "free will"? In the internet era, it is incredibly tempting t...

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...

The Trust vs. The Allegation: Understanding "Slayer Statutes" in the Wake of Tragedy By Melinda Gustafson Gervasi July 10, 2026 The headlines out of California recently have been nothing short of devastating. Late last year, the tragic deaths of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele, stunned the public. Now, a complex legal battle is unfolding in a Los Angeles County probate court, thrusting a quiet corner of estate law directly into the national spotlight. Their son, Nick Reiner, who has pleaded not guilty to charges in connection with their deaths, recently petitioned the court to compel a trustee to release over $1.5 million from a trust his parents established for him. His defense argues that he is presumed innocent and legally entitled to his own resources to fund a private criminal defense. The trustee, however, has withheld the funds. This aspect of the trial highlights a fascinating and rigid legal mechanism embedded in probate codes across the country:...

Red, White, and True Independence: Why Turning 18 Requires More Than Just a Vote By Melinda Gustafson Gervasi July 3, 2026 Image by M. Gustafson Gervasi 2026 The Summer of 2026 holds to significant birthdays for me.  First, our nation turns 250 years old.  As a member of the legal profession, I hope we see renewed reverence for the rule of law, and strengthen our democratic institutions.  Second, my oldest child turns18 in late summer.  Both of these events cause my mind to think about independence, duty and responsibility that culminate in a desire to educate young adults on a key task they should consider completing on our near their birthday. Turning 18 ushers in a new chapter of your life, heavily dosed with a helping of independence. You can vote, sign up for the selective service, and sign contracts. You are officially an adult in many aspects of life.  However, with this independence comes a responsibility. Many families are surprised to learn that with t...

Hollywood vs. Reality: The Problem with Netlix's "The Life List"  By Melinda Gustafson Gervasi June 26, 2026 The premise of Netflix's The Life List makes for great cinema: a grieving daughter is forced to revisit her 13-year-old self’s dreams—like overcoming a fear of horses or finding true love—within a strict one-year deadline to claim her inheritance. It’s poignant, it’s dramatic, and from a legal standpoint, it is an absolute nightmare.   While the film is highly entertaining, it highlights a major misconception. In the real world, estate planning is not a tool for gamifying your family’s personal growth or forcing adult children out of a rut from beyond the grave.  When you strip away the Hollywood script, three major issues expose why this kind of planning fails in real life. 1. The Legal Reality of "Conditional Bequests" In actual estate law, you can put conditions on an inheritance, usually by setting up a trust. However, the legal system draws a ver...

Beyond the Will: Weddings, Father’s Day, and Estate Planning for Our History By Melinda Gustafson Gervasi June 19, 2026 The third weekend in June brings a unique collision of energy. We are right in the thick of the summer wedding season—a time of new beginnings, crisp tuxedos, and beautiful white gowns. At the exact same time, we pause to honor Father’s Day, a moment to reflect on the men who shaped our families and the legacies they left behind.  For me, this specific time of year always brings back a memory of a unique choice I had to make years ago. After both of my parents had passed away, I found myself doing what so many of my clients eventually have to do: sorting through a lifetime of accumulated belongings. Among the boxes and heirlooms was my great-grandfather’s wedding suit. It was a beautiful, historic piece of our family fabric, but it faced a common question "what can I do with this that is meaningful?" I didn't want it to eventually end up on the racks of ...

Lost to the Cloud: The Hidden Risks of Purely Digital Estate Planning By Melinda Gustafson Gervasi June 12, 2026 Schools Out for the Summer!  My teenagers are thrilled that this school year has come to an end.  Both kids, like me, love and thrive in school.  But after a combined total of 8 AP exams and the conclusion of the rack season, they both need a break.  Over the long, hot summer they'll work on their driving skills, keep up their running habits, work in a bit of travel, and clean their rooms.  This involves the annual purge of papers from the past school year.  But that paper spilling out of their desks and onto the floor reminds me of an important fact related to my work as an estate planning and probate attorney.  Paper can be king! Fun fact about me -- I can still open my 1980s Trapper Keeper from the 1980s (yes, I still have it!), but I cannot open my college files containing my college senior thesis -- a complex regression analysis on the ...

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...