AM I "QUALIFIED" FOR AN ESTATE PLAN? THE 3-POINT CHECKLIST EVERY FAMILY NEEDS
Most people think estate planning is only for the ultra-wealthy. Our client "Marcus" thought so, too. He bought a $50 DIY Will online and felt relieved—until he realized his "simple" plan had massive gaps that put his home and his 2-year-old daughter at risk.
THE 3-POINT CHECKLIST AUDIT
You are "qualified" for a comprehensive estate plan if any of these are true:
1. You Own Real Estate: Even with a mortgage, owning a home in Tennessee is a near-guaranteed ticket to Probate Court. A Will does not bypass probate; only a Living Trust keeps your home out of a 9–12 month court process.
2. You Have Minor Children: A toddler cannot manage a bank account. Without a Trust, a judge—not you—appoints someone to oversee the money until they turn 18, at which point they receive the entire inheritance at once.
3. You Have Over $50,000 in Assets: Between home equity, a 401(k), and life insurance, most families hit this mark. In Tennessee, if your probate assets exceed $50k, your family is forced into the court system.
PLANNING IS FOR EVERYONE
Estate planning isn't about your tax bracket; it’s about providing clarity. Whether you have $50,000 or $7 million, you deserve a plan that actually works when it's needed.
"Although my estate is small, I could see he gave the same consideration as if I were a millionaire!" – Rose
TAKE THE AUDIT IN 2026
If you checked even one box above, a "simple" Will might be a trap.
