Local LegalShield representative urges residents to get wills, powers of attorney and protect digital assets

Lisa Day, a LegalShield representative, told the Belgrade Senior Resource Committee audience that having estate documents — a last will and testament, living will and appropriate powers of attorney — reduces stress for families and makes probate faster and simpler. "Have you got your wills done yet?" she asked the audience, using a recurring prompt during her presentation.

Day explained probate is the process for settling an estate, not inherently bad, and described the differences between a will (takes effect after death) and a trust (an entity you can manage while living). She advised attendees to select a trusted executor and to revisit wills every three to five years or after major life changes such as moving to another state, marriage or adoption.

On special situations, Day cautioned that naming a beneficiary who receives SSI could jeopardize benefits unless funds are placed in a special needs trust. She also emphasized the importance of updating beneficiary designations on life insurance and retirement accounts because those designations typically take precedence over provisions in a will.

Day highlighted digital‑asset issues, urging families to record account information for email, social media, photo storage and cryptocurrency and to plan for secure closure of accounts to avoid identity theft. She referenced a large DNA‑service data breach reported in the presentation as an example of why identity protection and account planning matter.

Describing LegalShield’s member services, Day said memberships include a will packet, document review, consultations and 24/7 emergency access; she offered brochures and a mobile app to help attendees complete documents quickly. She encouraged residents to contact her for help and noted that LegalShield aims to make basic estate planning more affordable.