Most people have been taught that Estate Planning is something only for the ultra-wealthy, like people with private jets and mansions. But in our experience, that could not be further from the truth. In fact, some of the most critical and impactful planning happens for “regular” families.
This was exactly where our client, “Marcus,” (name changed for privacy) was before he walked through our doors.
The $50 Security Blanket
Marcus had done what he thought was the responsible thing. After purchasing his first home and welcoming his first child, he started to think about “what-ifs,” he figured he should have something in place.
So, he went to a popular DIY legal website, spent $50, and created a “simple will.” He signed it, put it in his desk drawer, and felt immediate relief. He assumed he didn’t qualify for anything more complex than that.
Marcus didn’t need to protect a huge inheritance, but what he did need to protect is his 2-year-old daughter and his home. But his DIY Will had some massive, invisible gaps.
“Estate laws can be complicated but Trent does a great job making it easy for anyone to understand and see the value in the process. I highly recommend doing this for your family sooner rather than later so you are prepared if something comes up.” – Jon
Redefining “Qualified” – The 3-Point Checklist
When Marcus finally came to see us last year, we sat down and looked at his actual life.
Here is the conversation we had with him. We believe you are qualified for a comprehensive estate plan if any of these are true:
1. You Own Real Estate (Even with a Mortgage)
Marcus owned a home. What his DIY Will didn’t tell him is that owning real estate in Tennessee is almost a guaranteed ticket to Probate Court if you don’t have a Living Trust.
Without a Trust, Marcus’s home would have to go through probate, delaying access to that asset for his family for 9–12 months and costing them thousands of dollars in public court fees. The title was a trap, and a Will doesn’t bypass that trap.
2. You Have Minor Children (Who Can’t Own Assets)
Marcus assumed that because his daughter was named in his $50 Will, everything was safe.
What his Will didn’t have was a mechanism to hold and manage those assets for her. A 2-year-old cannot own a house or manage a bank account. Without a Trust, a judge would have to appoint a guardian to oversee her money, creating constant public oversight and restrictions until she turns 18, at which point she gets the entire check. This is not the protection Marcus wanted.
3. You Have Over $50,000 in Assets
Marcus didn’t see himself as “wealthy,” but between his home equity, his 401(k), and his life insurance, he had well over $50,000 in value.
Tennessee probate court has a threshold of just $50,000. If your probate assets exceed that amount, your family must go through the court. An effective plan, built through our Life and Legacy Planning Process, is designed specifically to keep those assets safe and private.
“Trent took the time to explain our options and help us make the best choice. You could not ask for a more dedicated and trustworthy person to handle your legal needs!” – Wes
Planning is for Everyone (No, Seriously)
This myth about not being “qualified” is so pervasive that it cuts across every single income and asset level. We once had a client with over $7 million in assets sit across from us and say, “I don’t think I really have enough for an estate plan.”
It proved that no one is immune to the misconception. An Estate Plan is not about being in a certain tax bracket, it’s about providing clarity and protecting your family from unnecessary court involvement and expenses.
Whether you have $50,000 or $7,000,000, we guide you with empathy, provide the education you need to make informed decisions, and build a plan that is effective and ready to work when your family needs it most.
Take the 3-Point Checklist Audit. If you check even one box, book a Free Discovery Call to see how a real plan protects what you’ve built.
“Estate Planning can be stressful, not knowing what questions to ask, and how to structure the plan. Trent was amazing and although my estate is small, I could see he gave the same consideration as if I were a millionaire 😉! I have and will continue to recommend the Law Office of Trent Linville!!”! -Rose
