Some Good News - Law Students Help Veterans with Estate Planning

Would you agree that there is too little "good news" in the news these days? In my undergraduate broadcast journalism training we learned that if a story "bleeds," then it leads.

Sad, but true.

Bad news sells.

However, amidst all of the bad news of late, from the University of Nebraska's College of Law comes an encouraging report regarding law students who have helped 14 veterans with their estate planning through the school's Veterans Advanced Directive Clinic. 

This story appeared in a recent article in the Lincoln Journal Star titled “University of Nebraska law students help veterans with estate planning, wills and more.” 

It all started with a professor at the law college who is also involved with its clinics.

Because veterans have done so much for the country through their service, the professor thought serving them was a good way to teach law students about the sacrifices the veterans have made.

As a result, the dual purposes of the Advanced Directive Clinic are to: (i) help match law students who are eager to put their studies to the test with actual clients who need estate planning legal assistance; and (ii) help these clients (i.e., the veterans) get free fundamental estate planning legal help. 

Once signed, these newly-created documents are immediately scanned into the Department of Veterans Affairs database where they can be accessed by doctors across the United States. 

One of the three law students participating in the Clinic said the veterans expressed relief to have their basic legal affairs in order.

Apparently, the success of the first law clinic for veterans could mean more clinics in partnership with the VA. With 10 veterans on a waiting list, the group of three students who worked the clinic this summer could grow to five students later this year. Each law student would handle three clients. 

Our thanks to these law students and their supervising professors for providing this needed service to those who have served.

Remember: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” When making your financial, tax and estate plans, do not go it alone. Be sure to engage competent professional counsel.

For more information about estate planning in Overland Park, KS (and throughout the rest of Kansas and Missouri), visit our estate planning website and be sure to subscribe to our complimentary estate planning e-newsletter while you are there.

Reference: Associated Press (Lincoln Journal Star) (August 1, 2015) “University of Nebraska law students help veterans with estate planning, wills and more”