Don't leave your family guessing...
Updated: May 4
If you’re like most people, setting up a will or estate plan has probably been sitting on your to-do list for…awhile. You know it matters—but it’s easy to put off. The good news? Even a simple plan can make a lasting difference for your family and your future.
In the April KML Legacy Foundation vlog, Gift Planning Officer Ann Jahns talked with estate planning attorney Robert Melick to break down estate plans in an understandable way. Here are the key takeaways from that conversation—minus the legal jargon.
First things first: you’re not alone.
According to Atty. Melick, 70-90% of American adults don’t have an estate plan. That number might sound shocking, but it includes everyone over 18—including young adults who haven’t yet thought about it. Still, his advice is clear: Every adult should have a plan in place.
What happens if you don’t have an estate plan?
If you pass away without an estate plan, the state steps in and decides where everything goes. That doesn’t mean the state takes your money—but it does mean your assets are distributed according to a fixed set of laws, not your personal wishes. An estate plan puts you back in control, making sure your money and belongings go exactly where you want them to.
Why Powers of Attorney matter (especially at 18)
One of the most eye-opening parts of the conversation was about Powers of Attorney. Once someone turns 18, parents (and even spouses) can’t automatically make medical or financial decisions for them.
A healthcare power of attorney allows someone you trust to make medical decisions if you’re unable to.
A financial power of attorney lets someone handle things like bills, insurance, or accounts if you’re incapacitated.
Without these, even close family members can be shut out due to privacy laws like HIPAA. It’s a simple step to take but incredibly important.
Wills vs. trusts—what’s the difference?
A will and a trust both help manage your estate, but they work a little differently.
A will does three main things:
Names who gets your assets
Appoints someone to handle your estate (an executor)
Designates guardians for minor children
That last one is huge—if you have children under 18, a will (or trust) is the only legally enforceable way to name who would care for them.
A trust, on the other hand, goes a step further. Its biggest advantage? It helps your estate avoid probate.
So…what’s probate and why avoid it?
Probate is the court-supervised process of distributing your assets after you pass away. It can be:
Expensive (often $8,000-$12,000)
Time-consuming (12-18 months on average)
Public (your assets and details become part of public record)
A trust helps bypass that process entirely, saving time and money and maintaining privacy.
Wait. Aren’t trusts only for the wealthy?
Not at all. That’s one of the biggest misconceptions. In reality, if you own a home or have more than $50,000 in assets, you may already benefit from a trust. It’s less about being “wealthy” and more about protecting what you’ve built.
At the end of the day, it’s about peace of mind.
Estate planning isn’t just about money—it’s about making things easier for the people you care about. A well-thought-out plan reduces stress, avoids confusion, and lets your loved ones focus on what really matters.
Remember—it’s your life, your plan, and your legacy. And taking the time to put an estate plan in place—no matter how simple—is a meaningful step toward protecting all three.
Special will and trust offer for KML families
Atty. Melick is offering a will for $250 or 25% off the cost of a trust. (Please note: Will-based plans are offered to people either under the age of 30 or who do not own real estate.) For each will and trust he writes, Atty. Melick will donate $250 back to the KML Legacy Foundation to support student assistance.
Contact Gift Planning Officer Ann Jahns at ann.jahns@kmlhs.org or 262.677.4051 x4004 for a free estate planning packet with resources to assist you in getting ready to meet with Atty. Melick or another estate planning attorney.
