
Comprehensive Guide to Wills in Springfield
Planning for the future with a properly drafted will gives you control over how your property and personal wishes are handled after you pass. In Robertson County and the Springfield area, families rely on clear, legally sound documents to reduce uncertainty and prevent disputes among heirs. This page explains how wills work, what to consider when naming beneficiaries and executors, and how a will interacts with other planning tools. If you want a straightforward approach to protect your loved ones and property, learning these basics can help you make informed choices and take the next steps confidently.
A will is one part of a complete estate plan, and understanding its role is important for anyone who owns property, has children, or wishes to leave specific gifts. Wills determine asset distribution, appoint personal representatives to manage the estate, and can include guardianship appointments for minor children. Reviewing your will periodically ensures it reflects life changes like marriage, divorce, births, or changes in financial circumstances. For people in Springfield and throughout Tennessee, taking time now to draft or update a will reduces complexity for survivors and helps ensure your wishes are followed as smoothly as possible.
Why a Will Matters for Springfield Residents
A will brings clarity to how your assets are distributed and who will manage your estate, which can prevent family disagreements and costly court delays. It allows you to name executors and guardians and to state specific bequests, including sentimental items that matter most to you. A well-organized will also simplifies the probate process, helping reduce administrative headaches for survivors. For property owners in Springfield, having an up-to-date will protects personal wishes and provides legal documentation for your intentions. Taking action now can ease the transition for loved ones when the time comes and preserve more of your legacy for intended beneficiaries.
About Jay Johnson Law Firm and Our Approach in Springfield
Jay Johnson Law Firm serves families across Robertson County and nearby communities from a practical, client-centered perspective rooted in Tennessee probate and estate planning processes. Our attorneys focus on listening to your priorities, explaining options clearly, and preparing documents that reflect your intentions while complying with state law. We handle wills, ancillary planning documents, and probate administration with an emphasis on minimizing stress and avoiding preventable complications. When you contact the firm, you will find helpful guidance about timelines, necessary documentation, and decisions that matter for your family, whether you are creating a first will or revising an existing plan.
A will is a legal document that states how you want your property distributed after your death and who will manage the settlement of your estate. In Tennessee, a valid will must meet specific formalities such as signatures and witness requirements, and certain kinds of provisions may have particular rules. Wills can be simple or include detailed instructions for personal property, real estate, and guardianship of minor children. It is important to consider how your will interacts with jointly held assets, beneficiary designations on retirement accounts, and payable-on-death designations, as those can affect how assets pass at death.
Creating a will also gives you the opportunity to name an executor who will be responsible for handling creditor notices, filing necessary court documents, and distributing assets according to your wishes. Wills can include contingencies to address unexpected situations or provide guidance for charitable gifts. While wills are a central tool for many households, they often work best when combined with other planning documents and account or property title reviews. Reviewing your will after major life changes such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child helps ensure your plan remains aligned with your current circumstances and intentions.
Defining a Will and Its Core Elements
A will is a formal written declaration of your wishes concerning the distribution of your property and other personal decisions after death. Core elements of a will include the identification of the testator, clear distribution provisions for assets, appointment of an executor or personal representative, and any nominations for guardianship of minor children. Wills may also include statements about funeral preferences, though those are not always legally binding. For residents of Springfield and across Tennessee, ensuring the document meets legal formalities and reflects current intentions reduces the chance of disputes and makes estate administration more straightforward for loved ones.
Key Steps and Processes Involved with Wills
Preparing a will generally involves gathering information about assets, deciding who will inherit and who will manage the estate, and drafting clear provisions that avoid ambiguity. Once a draft is prepared, it should be signed and witnessed according to Tennessee requirements to be effective. After death, the executor files the will with the appropriate probate court, notifies creditors and beneficiaries, pays valid debts and taxes, and distributes assets as directed. Keeping records organized, naming alternates where needed, and periodically reviewing beneficiary designations help streamline probate and reduce delays for surviving family members.
Key Terms and Glossary for Wills and Probate
Understanding common terms used in wills and probate helps you make informed decisions and communicate your wishes clearly. This glossary covers words such as testator, beneficiary, executor, probate, intestacy, and guardianship, and offers concise explanations of how each term functions within estate planning. Familiarity with these terms makes conversations with your attorney and family more productive. It also helps you spot potential issues in drafted documents before they become problems. Taking time to learn basic terminology gives you more confidence when reviewing or updating estate planning documents and helps ensure your intentions are carried out.
Testator
The term testator refers to the person who creates and signs a will, expressing their wishes about property distribution and other decisions to take effect after death. A valid will must be made by a testator who is legally competent under Tennessee law at the time of signing, meaning they understand the nature of the document and the property involved. Capacity and intent are essential elements, and disputes sometimes arise when those factors are questioned. Clear documentation, careful explanation during preparation, and witness compliance help reduce the likelihood of later challenges to a testator’s will.
Executor or Personal Representative
An executor, also called a personal representative in some jurisdictions, is the person named in a will to handle estate administration tasks after death. Responsibilities typically include filing the will with probate court, supervising asset valuation and distribution, paying valid debts and taxes, and communicating with beneficiaries. Choosing an executor who is responsible and organized can make the probate process smoother. It is also common to name alternates in case the primary designee is unable or unwilling to serve. Clear instructions in the will and communication with the chosen person help ensure tasks are carried out as intended.
Beneficiary
A beneficiary is an individual or organization designated in a will to receive property, assets, or other specified gifts after the testator’s death. Beneficiaries may receive outright distributions, conditional gifts, or trusts created under the will, depending on the language used. It is important to identify beneficiaries clearly, using full legal names where possible, and to consider contingent beneficiaries in case primary recipients cannot accept their inheritance. Regularly reviewing beneficiary designations and the will helps ensure distributions match current relationships and circumstances and avoids unintended outcomes.
Probate
Probate is the court-supervised process that validates a will, appoints an executor, and oversees the administration and distribution of a deceased person’s estate. The probate process includes proving the will’s validity, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining assets to beneficiaries. In Tennessee, probate procedures and timelines vary depending on the size and complexity of the estate. Some assets pass outside of probate through joint ownership or beneficiary designations, which is why coordinating all elements of a plan is important. Understanding probate basics helps set realistic expectations for how long administration may take and what responsibilities an executor will face.
Comparing Wills and Other Estate Planning Options
Wills are a foundational tool, but other options such as living trusts, beneficiary designations, and joint ownership arrangements may better serve certain goals or simplify transfer of some assets. Each option has advantages and trade-offs related to privacy, probate avoidance, administration complexity, and cost. For Springfield residents, choosing the right combination depends on asset types, family circumstances, and long-term objectives. Reviewing available methods together allows you to select a plan tailored to your needs, balancing simplicity and control, and helps minimize the likelihood of unintended consequences during estate settlement.
When a Simple Will May Be Sufficient:
Small Estates with Clear Beneficiaries
For individuals with modest assets and straightforward family situations, a simple will can provide the necessary direction for distribution without creating complex arrangements. If beneficiaries and heirs are clear and there are no unusual assets or business interests, a will that names beneficiaries, an executor, and guardians for minor children may be sufficient. Maintaining clear bank and retirement account beneficiary designations complements a will and helps ensure transfers proceed smoothly. Periodic review still matters to account for life changes that could affect how assets should be passed along to loved ones.
No Immediate Need to Avoid Probate
Some households are comfortable with the probate process and do not need to take extra measures to avoid it, making a will an appropriate primary planning document. If privacy concerns and probate timelines are not major issues for you, a properly drafted will can accomplish distribution goals without more elaborate instruments. Even in these situations, careful attention to the will’s language and companion documents such as powers of attorney and healthcare directives will ensure your decisions are executable and your loved ones have a clear roadmap for handling affairs after your passing.
When a Broader Estate Plan Is Advisable:
Complex Assets and Family Situations
If your assets include business interests, multiple real estate properties, or complicated financial accounts, a broader estate plan may help manage transfers more efficiently and protect family interests. Blended families, beneficiaries with special needs, or potential creditor concerns create scenarios where additional planning tools can provide structure and safeguards. Comprehensive planning coordinates wills with trusts, account beneficiary designations, and other arrangements to reduce the likelihood of disputes and to provide orderly transitions. Taking a comprehensive approach supports clearer administration and can reduce surprises for heirs.
Privacy and Probate Avoidance Goals
For people who want to minimize court involvement or maintain greater privacy about asset distribution, trust-based planning and careful titling of assets can limit the assets that pass through probate. These measures can streamline administration and keep details of the estate out of public records. While establishing a broader plan can involve additional steps, the benefits of reduced court oversight and increased privacy may outweigh the upfront work for many families. Evaluating these goals and how they align with family needs helps determine whether to pursue a trust or other probate-avoidance strategies.
Advantages of a Coordinated Estate Plan
A coordinated estate plan reduces uncertainty and helps ensure that assets are distributed according to your wishes with fewer administrative burdens for survivors. By combining a will with appropriate beneficiary designations, powers of attorney, and possibly trust arrangements, you create a cohesive plan for handling both lifetime and post-death matters. This approach can mitigate the risk of unintended outcomes, minimize delays, and provide clear authority for decision-makers. For families in Springfield, thoughtful coordination of documents can prevent common pitfalls and support smoother transitions during difficult times.
Comprehensive planning can also address contingency scenarios, such as alternate beneficiaries, successor decision-makers, and mechanisms for managing assets if a beneficiary is not yet able to receive property directly. It provides a framework to protect vulnerable family members and to manage tax or creditor concerns where applicable. While not every situation requires extensive documents, evaluating the full picture of assets and family needs helps determine whether a coordinated plan will provide meaningful benefits and long-term peace of mind for your survivors.
Clarity and Reduced Family Conflict
Clear, well-drafted documents reduce the chance of misunderstanding and disputes by stating your intentions in specific terms and naming responsible parties to carry them out. When beneficiaries and executors understand their roles and the expectations for distribution, administration proceeds more smoothly. Including clear provisions for personal property and contingencies for unavailable beneficiaries prevents ambiguity. For families in Robertson County, preventing disputes saves time and expense and preserves relationships during an already difficult period, making clarity one of the strongest practical benefits of comprehensive planning.
Efficient Administration and Reduced Delays
A coordinated plan streamlines the process of administering an estate by clarifying asset ownership, beneficiary designations, and executor authority, which reduces administrative steps and court involvement where possible. When documents are consistent and account titles are aligned with your plan, executors can move more quickly to settle affairs and distribute assets. That efficiency helps families access needed funds sooner and reduces the emotional and practical burden of prolonged estate settlement. In many cases, modest upfront planning yields savings in time and resources for survivors down the road.

Practice Areas
Estate Planning and Probate Services
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Practical Tips for Your Will
Start with a clear inventory of assets
Begin your planning by listing assets such as real estate, bank accounts, retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and personal property. Include account numbers and current beneficiary designations so you have an accurate snapshot of your estate. This helps identify items that will pass outside of a will and clarifies what the will needs to address. Clear documentation also speeds the drafting process and makes conversations with your attorney more productive. Keeping this inventory updated after major life events ensures your will and related documents remain aligned with how assets are titled and designated.
Choose executors and guardians thoughtfully
Review and update your will regularly
Life changes such as marriage, divorce, births, deaths, or significant changes in assets should prompt a review of your will and related documents. Regular updates prevent outdated provisions from creating challenges for your survivors and ensure beneficiary designations match current intentions. A periodic review also helps identify accounts or arranged property titles that could conflict with the will. Taking time every few years, or after major life events, to review your plan keeps your wishes current and reduces the chance of unintended outcomes during estate settlement.
Why Springfield Residents Should Consider Preparing a Will
Preparing a will ensures your decisions about possessions and guardianship are expressed in writing and can be followed after your death. Without a will, state law determines distribution and guardianship, which may not match your preferences. A will also simplifies the process for loved ones by naming an executor to handle necessary tasks and by making your intentions clear. Whether you own a home, have children, or want to leave specific bequests, creating or updating a will provides clarity and peace of mind for you and those you care about.
Many people delay estate planning, but even straightforward planning can prevent unnecessary conflict during a difficult time for family members. A will can protect the interests of minor children, provide for charitable gifts, and allow you to name a trusted person to handle your affairs. Taking these steps now reduces the administrative burden on survivors and can preserve more of your estate for intended beneficiaries. For residents of Springfield and Robertson County, establishing a will is an accessible and practical way to plan for the future and safeguard family well-being.
Common Situations When Drafting a Will Is Recommended
Certain life events commonly trigger the need for a will, including marriage, the birth of children, acquiring significant assets, or changes in family structure. People with dependents, property in multiple states, or complex financial arrangements often find a will helps coordinate transitions and designate decision-makers. Even if your estate is relatively simple, a will can streamline administration and provide guidance for personal items. Recognizing these circumstances and taking timely action helps ensure your wishes are recorded and understood by those who will carry them out.
Newly married or recently divorced
Marriage and divorce both affect estate planning priorities and often require updates to wills and beneficiary designations. After marriage you may want to include your spouse in gifts or name them as executor, while after divorce you may need to remove or replace previously named beneficiaries and decision-makers. Addressing these changes promptly ensures that your documents accurately reflect your current relationships and intentions. Reviewing account registrations and beneficiary designations at the same time helps avoid conflicts between those designations and your will.
Birth or adoption of children
Welcoming a child into the family makes naming guardians and planning for their financial support especially important. A will allows you to appoint a guardian to care for minor children and to designate how assets should be held for their benefit. Including clear instructions and contingencies gives caregivers a legal framework to provide for children’s needs. Reviewing insurance, savings, and beneficiary choices along with the will helps ensure funds will be available and distributed consistent with your wishes for your child’s care and education.
Significant changes in assets or health
Acquiring real estate, a business interest, or investment accounts, or experiencing a major change in health, can create new planning needs and make an updated will necessary. Significant asset changes may require specific directions for management and distribution, while health changes may prompt consideration of related planning documents such as durable powers of attorney or healthcare directives. Addressing these issues proactively ensures your wishes are legally documented and that appropriate people are empowered to act on your behalf if circumstances change.
Local Wills and Estate Planning Services in Springfield
Jay Johnson Law Firm provides practical wills and estate planning services for Springfield and Robertson County residents, offering guidance on drafting documents that reflect your wishes and comply with Tennessee law. Our team helps organize information, explain the legal requirements for valid wills, and prepare documents tailored to family circumstances. Whether creating a first will, updating an existing plan, or coordinating probate matters, we aim to make the process understandable and manageable. Contacting the firm early in the planning process helps ensure your intentions are documented effectively for your loved ones.
Why Choose Our Firm for Wills in Springfield
Choosing a local firm means working with attorneys familiar with Tennessee law and local probate procedures, which can streamline administration and reduce surprises for families. Jay Johnson Law Firm adopts a client-focused approach that emphasizes clear communication, practical planning, and attention to detail. We work to prepare documents that reflect your priorities and to explain how each element fits into the larger plan. This local knowledge and personalized service help clients in Robertson County move forward with confidence in how their affairs will be handled.
Our process includes reviewing your assets and current documentation, discussing goals for distribution and decision-makers, and drafting or revising a will that meets legal formalities while carrying out your intentions. We also advise on related documents like powers of attorney and healthcare directives so that your plan functions well during life and after death. Practical guidance about probate expectations and necessary records further prepares your family for the steps that follow, reducing confusion and delay when administration is required.
We understand planning can feel overwhelming, so the firm focuses on providing clear next steps and managing details so you can make informed choices without unnecessary stress. Early planning and regular reviews help maintain alignment with family needs and changes in circumstances. If questions arise, we are available to explain options, update documents, and assist with probate administration when needed. For residents of Springfield and nearby communities, having accessible legal support simplifies the process of creating and maintaining effective estate plans.
Contact Jay Johnson Law Firm to Discuss Your Will Today
How We Handle Will Preparation and Probate
Our process begins with an initial discussion to understand your goals, followed by gathering records and detailing your assets and family structure. We draft documents that reflect your wishes, review them with you for clarity, and finalize them to meet Tennessee formalities. If probate becomes necessary, we assist with filings, creditor notices, asset inventories, and distributions. Throughout, we communicate timelines and steps so you know what to expect. This structured approach helps ensure documents are effective and that any needed administration proceeds in an organized manner for your loved ones.
Step One: Information Gathering and Planning
The first step involves collecting information about your assets, existing beneficiary designations, and any previous estate documents, along with discussion of family dynamics and goals. This helps identify whether a simple will will suffice or if additional measures are appropriate. We also review potential guardianship needs for minor children and discuss executor selection. Taking time at the outset to build a complete picture of your situation reduces the chance of omissions and supports drafting a will that aligns with your intentions and Tennessee legal requirements.
Document Review and Asset Inventory
We examine bank accounts, retirement plans, insurance policies, real property deeds, and business interests to determine ownership structure and beneficiary designations. Understanding which assets pass outside a will and which require specific directions helps craft a comprehensive plan. This review also identifies any discrepancies or outdated beneficiary information that could conflict with your wishes. Organizing this information in a clear inventory makes the drafting process more efficient and reduces the likelihood of surprises during administration.
Goal Setting and Decision-Maker Selection
We discuss your priorities for distribution, guardianship for minors, and who should serve as executor or successor decision-makers. Naming alternates and clarifying responsibilities in the will helps avoid delays if a chosen individual is unable or unwilling to serve. Establishing these decisions early provides a framework for drafting precise provisions that reflect your wishes and provide practical guidance for those who will act on your behalf.
Step Two: Drafting and Review
During drafting, we prepare a clear, legally compliant will tailored to your goals and asset structure, ensuring provisions are unambiguous and aligned with Tennessee law. We then review the draft with you, answer questions, and make necessary revisions until the document reflects your intentions fully. This review stage is critical to catch omissions and to confirm that beneficiaries, executors, and guardians are named correctly. Finalizing the will with required signatures and witnesses completes the process and makes the document ready to take effect.
Draft Preparation and Legal Review
Drafting focuses on clarity and legal form, using plain language where possible to avoid ambiguity and to make administration straightforward. We ensure that the will is consistent with beneficiary designations and other planning documents, and that it meets the signature and witness requirements applicable in Tennessee. This attention to detail reduces the likelihood of later disputes and helps executors carry out their duties more effectively when the time comes.
Client Review and Signature Formalities
After drafting, we walk through each section with you to ensure it matches your intent. We explain formal signing steps and arrange for appropriate witnesses and notarization when necessary. Proper execution at this stage is essential for the will’s validity under Tennessee law. We also provide guidance on safe storage and how to update the document as circumstances change, helping preserve its effectiveness over time.
Step Three: Storage, Updates, and Probate Assistance
Once signed, we advise on storing your will and important records so the executor can locate them when needed. We recommend periodic reviews after major life events and can help update documents to reflect changes. If the need arises, our firm assists executors with probate filings, asset inventories, creditor notices, and distributions, ensuring compliance with court procedures. This wrap-up phase supports a smoother administration experience for your family and helps ensure your wishes are carried out as intended.
Safe Storage and Record Keeping
Storing the will in a secure, accessible location and providing the executor with information about where to find it reduces delays when the time comes to administer the estate. We recommend keeping copies with trusted individuals or in safe deposit options and ensuring the executor knows how to access necessary records. Clear record keeping speeds probate tasks and reduces stress for survivors who need to locate financial and legal documents during a challenging period.
Probate Support and Final Distribution
If probate is required, we assist with filings and procedural steps, advise on creditor claims and tax considerations, and help the executor move toward final distribution according to the will. Providing this support reduces the burden on family members and helps ensure compliance with Tennessee court requirements. Our practical guidance focuses on timely resolution while protecting the estate’s assets for rightful beneficiaries and making the administration process more manageable for those involved.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wills in Springfield
What is a will and why do I need one in Tennessee?
A will is a legal document that states how you want your estate distributed and who should manage the settlement of your affairs after your death. It allows you to name beneficiaries, appoint an executor, and specify guardianship for minor children. Having a will avoids leaving those decisions solely to state intestacy rules, which may not reflect your preferences. A properly executed will under Tennessee law provides clear direction to loved ones and the court when administration is required.Creating a will also helps identify practical steps for administration, such as how to handle personal property and deal with funeral wishes. It does not govern all assets by itself, so reviewing beneficiary designations and account ownership is also important to ensure your overall plan works as intended.
How do I choose an executor for my will?
An executor should be someone you trust to handle administrative tasks responsibly and communicate with beneficiaries during estate settlement. Consider choosing a person who is organized, available, and able to manage financial and legal duties, or name a professional if appropriate. Naming alternate executors is wise to provide continuity if your first choice cannot serve.Before finalizing your will, discuss the role with the person you intend to name so they understand the responsibilities involved. Clear communication reduces the chance of surprises and ensures the chosen person is willing to act when needed, making administration smoother for your family.
Can I change my will after it is signed?
Yes, you can change your will at any time while you have the legal capacity to do so. Amendments are made through a codicil or by creating a new will that expressly revokes prior wills. It is important for any changes to meet Tennessee’s signature and witness requirements to be valid.Major life events such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child typically warrant a review and potential update. Working with an attorney to make changes ensures the new document is clear and properly executed so your most recent wishes are followed.
What happens if someone dies without a will in Tennessee?
If someone dies without a will in Tennessee, the estate is distributed according to the state’s intestacy laws, which establish a priority order for heirs based on family relationships. This process may not align with the deceased person’s preferences and can lead to outcomes that surprise family members. Additionally, the court will appoint an administrator to manage the estate rather than someone chosen by the decedent.Dying intestate may also complicate decisions about guardianship, personal property distribution, and the handling of family dynamics. Creating a will provides clarity and allows you to name the people you trust to carry out your wishes.
How does a will affect minor children and guardianship?
A will is the primary document used to nominate a guardian for minor children and to explain how their care and financial support should be managed. Naming a guardian in your will provides the court with your preference, which the court will consider when making a guardianship decision after your death. Including instructions and naming a backup guardian are both important to handle unforeseen circumstances.It is also possible to create trusts within a will or through separate documents to provide ongoing financial management for minors. Discussing guardianship and financial arrangements ahead of time helps ensure caregivers are prepared and that children’s needs are provided for according to your wishes.
Will my will avoid probate entirely?
A will alone does not always avoid probate, because probate is the process by which a court validates and supervises the administration of an estate. Certain assets, such as jointly held property and accounts with designated beneficiaries, may pass outside of probate, but other assets typically require probate for distribution according to the will. Whether probate is necessary depends on the types and ownership of assets included in the estate.If avoiding probate is a priority, additional planning tools such as trusts and careful titling of assets can reduce what passes through the court. Evaluating your asset structure and goals helps determine the best approach for minimizing probate involvement where appropriate.
How often should I review or update my will?
You should review your will after major life events such as marriage, divorce, birth or adoption of children, acquiring or selling significant assets, or the death of a beneficiary or executor. Regular reviews every few years are also advisable to confirm that beneficiary designations and account titles remain aligned with your intentions. These periodic checks help ensure your estate plan continues to reflect your current family and financial circumstances.Updating your will promptly when circumstances change prevents outdated provisions from causing confusion or unintended outcomes. Working with an attorney during reviews helps make necessary revisions correctly and preserve the document’s legal validity under Tennessee law.
What assets pass outside of a will?
Assets that typically pass outside of a will include property held in joint tenancy with rights of survivorship, accounts with named beneficiaries such as retirement plans and life insurance policies, and assets held in certain trusts. These designations and ownership arrangements determine how particular assets transfer at death and may supersede instructions in a will for those specific items.Coordinating beneficiary designations and account ownership with the provisions of your will reduces conflicts and ensures the overall plan achieves your intended results. Reviewing titles and designations is an essential step when creating or updating a will to align all components of your estate plan.
Do I need witnesses to sign my will in Tennessee?
Yes, Tennessee requires certain formalities for a will to be valid, including proper signing by the testator and witness signatures according to state rules. Ensuring witnesses meet legal criteria and that the signing is done in the required manner helps prevent later challenges to the will’s validity. Following these formalities is a key reason to have clear guidance during execution to avoid procedural defects.Proper execution also makes probate smoother for the executor and reduces the likelihood of disputes about the document’s authenticity or the testator’s intent. We provide guidance on signing and witness requirements to ensure your will is valid under Tennessee law.
How can Jay Johnson Law Firm help with wills and probate?
Jay Johnson Law Firm assists clients with drafting wills, reviewing existing documents, coordinating beneficiary designations, and advising on related estate planning matters. We explain how wills function in Tennessee, help you choose appropriate executors and guardians, and ensure documents are properly executed to be effective when needed. The firm also supports executors through probate procedures if administration becomes necessary.Our approach focuses on clear communication and practical planning to make documents understandable and manageable. For residents of Springfield and surrounding areas, we provide local knowledge of probate processes and help ensure your estate plan reflects your priorities and family needs.