Why Estate Planning Isn't About Death - It's About Family

I never planned to become an estate planning attorney.

When I was younger, I wanted to be a grocery store checker. I loved the idea of chatting with people all day—and honestly, there’s something deeply satisfying about that “beep” at the register. Later, I imagined becoming a stockbroker in New York City, living on my own, and never having kids.

That’s not how my life turned out at all.

I’m married. I have two young children. And my family has shaped my work more than anything else ever could.

The Moment That Changed Everything

While I was in law school, my grandmother—our family’s matriarch—passed away. She lived with joy, kindness, and a warmth that held our entire family together. Losing her was devastating. But what made the experience even harder was what came next.

My grandmother didn’t have a clear estate plan.

Her estate was complicated, not because it needed to be, but because no advance planning had been done. My uncle, who lived out of state, was named executor and suddenly found himself overwhelmed—emotionally and logistically—trying to manage everything during a time of grief. Our family got along well, yet the process was painful, stressful, and expensive.

And it didn’t have to be.

If my grandmother had done just a few things—like creating a will to clearly state her wishes—the entire experience would have been easier for everyone involved.

That’s when it clicked for me.

Estate planning isn’t about legal documents. It’s about protecting the people you love when they’re most vulnerable.

Rethinking Traditional Estate Planning

After that experience, I immersed myself in trusts, wills, and tax law. I knew this was the work I was meant to do. But as I began practicing, I noticed something troubling.

Traditional estate planning often:

• Focuses on legal checklists instead of people
• Requires multiple in-person meetings
• Costs thousands of dollars
• Feels intimidating, complicated, and out of reach

While comprehensive plans are sometimes necessary, most people don’t need something overly complex. What they need is a clear, legally sound plan that reflects their real life and real family.

I also learned something else: estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy or the elderly.

If you’re over 18, you should have an estate plan.
If you own property or have children, you need one.

The Wake-Up Call

I’ll never forget a meeting I had with a young couple in their mid-20s. They had just bought a house and welcomed a baby—so much life change in such a short time. They came in because they wanted to “do the responsible thing” and get a will.

When I explained that the traditional process would cost around $3,000, I could see the shock on their faces.

To their credit, they made it work. They saved up, completed the process, and ensured their child would be cared for if something happened to them.

But that meeting stayed with me.

Why should doing the right thing for your family be so hard—or so expensive?

A Better Way: Making Estate Planning Accessible

That question led to the creation of Orbit Wills.

I researched online estate planning options and found that most platforms either lacked legal review or didn’t truly serve families well. I knew we could do better.

Orbit Wills allows people to create a complete estate plan online—quickly, affordably, and with attorney review included. In just 10–15 minutes, you can complete an application and receive lawyer-reviewed documents within three business days, including:

• Last Will and Testament(s)
• Health Care Power of Attorney
• Healthcare Directive(s)
• Financial Power of Attorney
• Disposition Authorization(s)
• Community Property Agreements

Attorney review matters. A lawyer ensures your documents work together, make sense for your situation, and are legally valid in your state. Otherwise, what’s the point?

Estate Planning Is About How You Want to Live

I don’t see estate planning as planning for death.

I see it as planning for life.

Who are your people?
What matters to you?
How do you want to care for your family?
What legacy do you want to leave behind?

When those answers are written down and legally protected, families gain peace of mind—and clarity during difficult times.

I’m incredibly proud that Orbit Wills has helped people who might not otherwise be able to afford an estate plan. I can’t help but think there may be another “Nana” out there who now has the opportunity to make things easier for her family—because the right tools are finally accessible.

Estate planning doesn’t have to be expensive.
It doesn’t have to be complicated.

But it does have to be done.

You can get a comprehensive, lawyer-reviewed estate plan online at orbitwills.com—and take the first step toward protecting the people you love most.

Get Started Today