Why You Actually Need an Estate Plan (Yes, Even You With Nothing)

Let’s cut to it: if you’re an adult with literally anything—a bank account, a dog, a car, a kid, a cat, or opinions on life support—then yes, you need an estate plan.

I know, I know. Estate planning sounds like it’s reserved for rich people with beach houses and complicated family drama. But here’s the truth: estate planning isn’t about how much you have. It’s about protecting what you do have and making sure you decide what happens to it - not the state of Wyoming.

Without a plan, here’s what happens:

• Your stuff goes where Wyoming’s intestacy laws say it goes. Your siblings you don’t talk to anymore? Your parents you’re low contact with? Some random cousin you’ve never met?

• Your family may have to go to court just to get access to your accounts or handle your final affairs. It isn’t as fast as telling the judge you died.

• If you’re incapacitated, there’s no guarantee someone you trust is legally able to help you.

An estate plan handles things like:

• Naming guardians for your kids (or pets!)

• Giving someone authority to make financial or healthcare decisions on your behalf

• Directing who gets your stuff and when

• Making life easier for your family when the worst happens

And yes, I work with clients at all stages—from those just starting out to multi-generational ranch families passing land down to the grandkids. My job is to make it simple, clear, and tailored to you.