What My Pushups Taught Me About Estate Planning in Evanston, IL

My Trainer Didn’t Like My Pushups

Not long ago, my trainer stopped me mid-workout. I was halfway through a set of pushups when she shook her head and said, “Your shoulder blades are winging.”

I stopped. Winging? I had no idea what that meant. I thought my pushups felt fine. But apparently, there was something happening that I couldn’t see and didn’t understand.

That moment reminded me of my work as an estate planning attorney here in Evanston. Because what my trainer does for me is what I do for my clients: spot issues they don’t even know exist.

Form Matters

From my perspective, my pushups felt fine. But from her perspective, there was a flaw that could cause problems if I kept repeating it.

Estate planning has its own version of “bad form.” To the untrained eye, a will or trust might look fine. But estate planning is not as intuitive as you might think, and when I review documents, I often spot issues that could create real problems down the line:

• A trust that was never funded.
• Beneficiary designations that conflict with the plan.
• Missing powers of attorney.
• Wills that don’t meet state law requirements.

Just like poor form in exercise, these hidden mistakes don’t cause pain right away—but they create vulnerability.

Strength Comes from Alignment

When my trainer pointed out the problem, she showed me how to adjust my form and strengthen the right muscles. The goal was alignment.

Estate planning works the same way. Your plan needs everything in alignment: wills, trusts, funding, and beneficiary designations. If even one piece is out of place, your plan may not work the way you think it will.

Proper alignment ensures your family is protected, your assets are transferred smoothly, and your wishes are honored.

You Can’t See It Yourself

The tricky part is this: you can’t fix what you don’t know is broken. I didn’t know shoulder blades could “wing,” so I couldn’t have caught the problem without help.

Most people don’t know the technical details of estate planning. They don’t always understand what it means to fund a trust or why a will has to go through probate. That’s not their fault—it’s just not their expertise.

That’s where an estate planning attorney comes in. My job is to see what you can’t, explain why it matters, and guide you toward a stronger plan.

Preventing Injury Before It Happens

If I kept doing pushups with bad form, I might have managed for a while. But over time, it could have led to shoulder pain or injury.

Estate planning mistakes are similar. The problems may not show up right away. But when something happens—an illness, disability, or death—the cracks appear. By then, it’s too late to make corrections. Families can be left with disputes, delays, and unnecessary expenses.

Building a Strong Foundation

Estate planning gives your family a solid foundation. With the right plan in place—a well-drafted will, a properly funded trust, and the right supporting documents—you’re not just “getting by.” You’re building strength and stability for your family’s future.

Your Estate Planning Fitness Test

If you’re wondering whether your plan has “good form,” ask yourself:

• Do I have a trust that’s actually funded?
• Are my wills and documents aligned with my current wishes?
• Are my beneficiary designations in line with my estate plan?
• Have I updated my plan as my family or finances have changed?
• Would my loved ones know exactly what to do if something happened tomorrow?

If you aren’t sure, you may have hidden “winging” in your plan.