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Estate Planning is just like MARCH MADNESS!

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Last Updated: Aug 24, 2026

Read Time: 2 mins

One of the questions I get most often is, “Now that we have an estate plan, what do we do next?” And, in the spirit of March Madness, the NCAA tournament, and all the excitement that comes with this time of year, I like to compare it to filling out your bracket. You document what you think is going to happen, what you want to happen—you complete your estate plan, just like you complete your bracket.

Then, next thing you know, a 12-seed is beating a 5-seed, and it throws off your entire bracket. You don’t know what to do next; life is kind of in shambles. The unexpected has happened, and now you’re left picking up the pieces, wondering, “What do we do? How do we resolve this?”

There are many different life triggers, life events, that are going to happen throughout your lifetime. You don’t need to do a constant inventory every day, but you should be mindful of it. Most of my clients have financial advisors they meet with once, twice, three, or four times a year. While you don’t need to meet with your estate planning attorney that often, you do need to keep it in mind.

Maybe it’s a conversation to have with your financial advisor, your CPA, or whoever your advisors may be. Just touch base with your estate planning attorney and say, “Hey, in the last year, maybe I lost a loved one, had a child, lost a child, went through a divorce, sold a business, started a business, got a job promotion, lost a job, or purchased a vacation home.” The point is, there are successes and failures in life, just like in March Madness, and you have to be able to account for those and make them part of the plan.

So, as we go through March Madness, keep that in mind with all the excitement, the ups and downs, and the emotions. Estate planning is no different. Enjoy March, enjoy all the madness, and enjoy the tournament.

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Stuart Green Law combines modern South Dakota trust law with integrated estate planning, wealth management, and fiduciary services for families throughout the United States and internationally. The firm’s approach is built around selecting the strongest legal framework available, maintaining continuity of planning judgment, and bringing every part of the family’s wealth strategy into alignment with its long-term objectives.

Client Testimonials

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Angélique Pfab Green
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Stuart Green is incredibly knowledgeable and clearly operates at a very high level. His approach to estate planning and wealth strategy is thoughtful, modern, and well beyond the traditional. You can tell he genuinely cares about helping people protect what they’ve built. Truly impressive work and reputation.
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Maria Cardenas Anderson
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I had an excellent experience working with Stuart Green on my trust and will documents. From start to finish, he was incredibly responsive, patient, and thorough. He took the time to explain everything clearly, ensuring I fully understood each step of the process. Even after the trust was complete, he guided me on what still needed to be done — something I really appreciated. Stuart’s professionalism and kind demeanor made what could have been an overwhelming experience so much easier. I felt informed and supported every step of the way. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a knowledgeable and attentive probate lawyer. Thank you, Stuart!
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katelyn rennie
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Stuart is outstanding! We have been so impressed with his knowledge.
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Chris Stinson
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Stuart Green is an exceptional estate attorney. He handled my father's living will and then his estate after his passing, as well as helping my mother finalize and complete her estate in conjunction with my father's death. Currently, he is handling the living will and estate planning for me and my wife and our family. I highly recommend him and his integrity of work.
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Alejandra
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My experience with Stuart Green Law was a 10/10. They were professional and efficient, resolving my case quickly. I highly recommend them!
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Joseph Marchetti
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Great guy - honest businessman. Has been very helpful for me in providing feedback and input from a law perspective on employment and legal agreements in my personal and professional life. Would heartily recommend Stuart to others!
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Will Desrochers
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I have worked with Mr. Green for awhile now and can't recommend him highly enough. He is professional and and timely with his responses to my questions. I really appreciate how he helps me understand the plan for my estate. I look forward to continuing to work with him.
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Chuma
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I’ve learned a great deal from Stuart on the foundational aspects of estate planning, legacy planning and asset protection. Having had the privilege to work alongside Stuart, I can also say that he is a top tier counselor and focused on aligning his client’s personal goals with their long term objectives and wishes.
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Nick Delsignore
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Incredible person to know and be associated with. Stuart provides excellent services, that is undeniable. However you will be hard pressed to find another attorney with a truer moral compass.
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