Estate Planning is often thought of as a distant or complicated task, but for many families it’s one of the most meaningful steps they can take to protect what matters most. 

We spoke with Natalie Wetenhall of Evergreen Law Group, an Estate Planning Attorney based in Ashland, who began her career in NYC’s corporate law world.  After relocating to Ashland in 2013, Natalie shifted her focus to helping families, business owners, and individuals create Estate Plans that are both practical and deeply personal. 

In this conversation, Natalie shares with us her insights on key decisions, common misconceptions, and why Estate Planning should be seen as an empowering process rather than an intimidating one.

Estate Planning Should be Seen as an Empowering Process

HI NATALIE WELCOME BACK TO LOCALSGUIDE. 

Thank you, Shields.  I’m excited to have this opportunity to speak with you again.

TO BEGIN WITH, COULD YOU SHARE WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO FOCUS YOUR LEGAL PRACTICE ON ESTATE PLANNING AND HOW YOUR BACKGROUND HAS SHAPED YOUR APPROACH?

That’s a great question, Shields.  I began my legal career in Manhattan in 2001, working for some of the largest corporate law firms and investment banks in the country.  It was exciting and rigorous, but over time I realized I wanted my work to have a more personal impact.  I wanted to help people in a way where I could actually see the difference that I was making in their lives.

Estate Planning offered exactly that. Instead of advising institutional Clients, I get to sit with local families, hear their stories, and help them protect what matters most – whether that’s a family business, a home, or simply peace of mind for loved ones.

My corporate background still shapes my approach today.  I bring that same precision and foresight, but in a way that’s approachable and tailored to each Client’s unique needs. Clients often tell me they value both the technical skill I bring and the level of personal care I provide.

I wanted to Help People in a way where I could actually see the Difference that I was Making in their Lives

ESTATE PLANNING CAN BE AN EMOTIONAL PROCESS. HOW DO YOU SUPPORT CLIENTS IN NAVIGATING THE PERSONAL ASPECTS OF PLANNING FOR THEIR FUTURE?

Many Clients come in feeling anxious about what these conversations mean for their families, so my first step is always to listen. Estate Planning isn’t just about documents.  It touches on family, values, and emotions. I want to understand their story before we start talking about legal tools.

I then simplify the process by breaking things down into clear, understandable steps.  Clients don’t need to know all the legal jargon, they just need to feel empowered to make informed choices.

Most importantly, I remind them that Estate Planning is an act of care.  It’s not about anticipating the worst. It’s about protecting loved ones and making life easier for them. That reframing often shifts the process from something daunting to something meaningful.

I spend a lot of time Listening.  Every Family has its Own Story, and I want to understand What Matters Most to them.

YOU EMPHASIZE THAT ESTATE PLANNING IS NOT A ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL SITUATION. CAN YOU ELABORATE ON HOW YOU TAILOR PLANS TO MEET INDIVIDUAL CLIENT NEEDS?

Every family has its own priorities, so no two Estate Plans should ever be the same. 

I focus on:

• Listening First: Each Client’s values and goals shape the plan.

• Identifying Priorities: Some care most about tax efficiency, others about family harmony or business continuity.

• Custom Tools: I match strategies – Trusts, Wills, Business Succession plans – to fit those priorities.

• Flexibility: Life changes, so Estate Plans should be designed to adapt over time.

The goal is always to create a framework that protects what matters most while honoring each Client’s unique circumstances.

Every Client brings a Unique Mix of Assets, Relationships, Values, and Goals, and it’s My Job to shape a plan that Honors that Individuality

WHAT ARE SOME COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS PEOPLE HAVE ABOUT ESTATE PLANNING, AND HOW DO YOU ADDRESS THEM?

A common misconception is that Estate Planning is only for the wealthy. In reality, it benefits almost Everyone: Whether that means protecting a home or piece of land, a business, a family member with a disability, or simply giving loved ones clarity and peace of mind.

Another misconception is thinking Estate Planning is just about a Will.  A strong Estate Plan often includes Trusts, Powers of Attorney, and Healthcare Directives, which all work together to protect not just assets but also a person’s wishes and well-being during their lifetime.

Finally, people sometimes view it as a one-time task. I encourage Clients to see Estate Planning as a “living process” that evolves as life changes. Just like life, circumstances change—families grow, businesses evolve, and health needs shift.

My Goal is to Reframe the Lens, so my Clients view Estate Planning as Empowering.  It’s not about fear – it’s about Taking Control, Protecting Loved Ones, and Leaving a Gift of Clarity and Peace

FLAT FEE ESTATE PLANNING PACKAGES ARE A UNIQUE OFFERING.  HOW DO THESE PACKAGES BENEFIT YOUR CLIENTS COMPARED TO TRADITIONAL HOURLY BILLING?

All-Inclusive, Flat-fee Estate Planning offers several advantages over traditional hourly billing:

• Transparency: Clients know the cost upfront, which builds trust.

• Comfort in Communication: No one hesitates to call or ask questions for fear of the clock running.

• Focus on Quality: We can spend the time needed without rushing decisions.

• Alignment with Philosophy: I believe legal services should be clear, predictable, and Client-focused.

For families, it means peace of mind not just in their plan, but also in how it was created.  It also allows me to be fully present with my Clients: Taking the time to listen, answer questions, and work through the details, without them feeling rushed.  I never want a Client to hesitate to reach out because they’re worried about the clock running.  

This Approach makes the entire process feel Less Stressful and More Accessible, which is Exactly What I Want for My Clients

NATALIE, MANY INDIVIDUALS STRUGGLE WITH THE DECISION BETWEEN CREATING A WILL OR A TRUST.  HOW DO YOU GUIDE CLIENTS IN MAKING THIS CHOICE?

This is one of the most common questions I see, Shields.  A Will can be the simplest option, especially for families with modest estates.  A Will can be straightforward and cost-effective, though it does go through probate, which can be time consuming and costly on the back end.  For many people, however, that’s sufficient.

A Trust, on the other hand, offers much more flexibility and privacy, allowing assets to transfer outside probate. It’s especially useful for those with real estate, businesses, or blended families where clarity matters.

I don’t push one option over the other. My role is to explain how each works and help Clients decide which best aligns with their goals and resources. 

The key is that the plan fits their life today and can grow with them tomorrow.  

There’s no ‘wrong’ decision, as long as the Estate Plan Reflects Your Needs Today and can Grow with You Tomorrow

WHAT ARE SOME KEY QUESTIONS INDIVIDUALS SHOULD ASK THEMSELVES WHEN BEGINNING THE ESTATE PLANNING PROCESS?

When starting out, a few guiding questions help Clients focus:

• Who do I trust to make decisions if I can’t?
• What do I want to protect most? Property, a business, or heirlooms?
• How do I want to be cared for if I can’t speak for myself?
• What legacy do I want to leave? Supporting family, charities, or both?

Once these questions are considered, the legal side becomes much clearer.

Estate Planning isn’t just about Transferring Assets. It’s about Putting Your Values into Action 

WHEN DO YOU RECOMMEND INDIVIDUALS START CREATING THEIR ESTATE PLANS, AND WHY IS TIMING IMPORTANT?

I usually say that the best time to start is sooner than most people think. 

Estate Planning isn’t just for retirement – it’s for anyone who has kids or wants to ensure that their wishes are followed if something unexpected happens to them.

Here are some important considerations in favor of creating an Estate Plan Now:

1. Life Milestones:  Life milestones, like marriage, buying a home, or starting a business, are natural points to begin. 
2. Health and Peace of Mind   Just as important are health considerations, since none of us can predict the future, and a plan ensures trusted people can step in when needed.
3. Avoiding Delays and Costs: Without an Estate Plan in place when you die, the state decides how your assets are distributed, which can often mean probate court, delays, and unnecessary expenses. 
4. Flexibility Over Time: I remind Clients that Estate Plans aren’t permanent. Starting early provides a foundation that can adapt as life evolves. 

The ‘right time’ to create an Estate Plan isn’t about reaching a certain age or income level; it’s when you care about making things easier for your family.  

Starting now means you’re protecting what matters most, while giving yourself peace of mind moving forward.

DON’T PUT IT OFF ANY LONGER.  CALL US TODAY.

LEARN MORE:

Evergreen Law Group, LLC
542 Washington Street, Suite 103

www.evergreenlawgroup.net

Ph:  541-471-2222

A Timely Estate Plan keeps Control in Your Hands and Simplifies the Process for your Family

FOR CLIENTS WITHOUT CHILDREN, WHAT CONSIDERATIONS ARE ESSENTIAL IN THEIR ESTATE PLANNING, AND HOW DO YOU ASSIST THEM IN MAKING THESE DECISIONS?

Clients without children sometimes assume Estate Planning will be simpler, but the considerations are just different. Instead of guardianship or inheritance for children, the focus shifts to whom they trust to handle financial and medical decisions if needed.

We also look at where assets should go:  To siblings, nieces, nephews, friends, or charities. Some Clients use this opportunity to support causes that matter deeply to them, whether that’s education, the arts, or animal welfare.

Long-term care planning also becomes a priority, since there aren’t children to naturally step into that role. That makes powers of attorney and healthcare directives especially important.

My role is to help them explore options, ask the right questions, and create a plan that reflects their values and legacy.

Estate Planning isn’t about what you don’t have. It’s about making sure What You Do Have is used to Support the People and Charitable Causes You Care About Most

HOW DOES ESTABLISHING A TRUST HELP IN MINIMIZING POTENTIAL CONFLICTS AMONG BENEFICIARIES?

Trusts are one of the best tools for reducing conflict among beneficiaries.  

Trusts provide:

• Clarity of Intent: Specific terms reduce ambiguity.
• Avoiding Probate: No lengthy or costly public court process.
• Tailored Distributions for Complex Families: Particularly useful in blended families or unequal financial needs.
• Neutral Oversight:  A trustee manages assets according to your instructions.
• Protecting Relationships: By reducing disputes, Trusts help preserve family harmony.

A thoughtfully designed Trust isn’t just a financial tool, it’s a way of protecting Relationships as well as Assets.

A Trust is a way of Protecting both your Assets and the Relationships that Matter Most to You

IN YOUR EXPERIENCE, WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST REWARDING ASPECTS OF HELPING CLIENTS WITH THEIR ESTATE PLANNING NEEDS?

A rewarding part of Estate Planning for me as a fiduciary is the confidence and trust my Clients place in me. These conversations often involve very personal details about their families, their values, and even their fears. Being invited into that space and then helping turn it into something constructive feels very meaningful.

Another is seeing the relief my Clients feel once their Estate Plan is complete. Many arrive overwhelmed, but leave lighter, knowing everything is in order.  You can almost see the weight lift off their shoulders. Knowing I’ve helped bring that peace of mind to my Clients is incredibly gratifying.

I also value the lasting impact. Whether it’s preserving a family business, protecting property, or leaving a charitable gift, it’s an honor to help people shape Legacies that will outlive them.

At the end of the day, it’s about more than documents. Estate Planning is about caring for people. The greatest reward is knowing my work helps Clients feel secure, helps families avoid conflict, and ultimately leaves loved ones with a clearer path forward.

The Greatest Reward is knowing I’ve helped provide my Clients with Clarity, Security, and Peace Of Mind

HOW DO YOU STAY CURRENT WITH THE EVOLVING LAWS AND REGULATIONS RELATED TO ESTATE PLANNING TO ENSURE YOUR CLIENTS RECEIVE THE BEST ADVICE?

Estate Planning law is constantly evolving, and I stay current through multiple channels:

• Continuing Legal Education courses focused on estate and tax law.

• Professional associations that share timely updates.

• Legal publications and databases tracking both state and federal changes.

• Collaboration with CPAs and financial advisors for cross-disciplinary insight.

• Monitoring local practice to see how laws are applied in real-world cases.

This layered approach means Clients receive legal advice that’s both current and practical.

It’s my Responsibility to stay on top of Changes in Law so my Clients always get the most Up-To-Date Guidance

FOR THOSE CONSIDERING STARTING THEIR ESTATE PLANNING JOURNEY, WHAT STEPS DO YOU RECOMMEND THEY TAKE TO BEGIN, AND HOW CAN THEY REACH OUT TO YOU FOR ASSISTANCE?

Getting started with Estate Planning can feel overwhelming, but it really begins with a few simple steps:

The first step is reflection. Who do you trust to make decisions, what assets matter most, and what legacy do you want to leave? That clarity makes the legal process straightforward.

Next, gather key documents.  Property deeds, financial accounts, and any records that help paint a full picture. From there, we can translate those goals into a Estate Plan that fits both practical needs and personal values.

I always emphasize that Estate Planning doesn’t need to be intimidating. It’s simply about taking control of the future in a way that eases the burden on loved ones.

For those who are ready to begin, reaching out is simple.  Anyone ready to start can reach out to us by phone or email to schedule a consultation. 

It’s an opportunity to sit down, talk through your goals, and begin building a plan that provides you with both peace of mind today and security for the future.

I walk Clients through their Options Step by Step, explain things in plain language, and Keep the Focus on what Matters Most to Them

Your legacy matters. Protect it with a plan that reflects your values and secures peace of mind for you and your loved ones. 

Contact Natalie Wetenhall Today to begin your Estate Planning Journey:

VISIT WWW.EVERGREENLAWGROUP.NET OR CALL US AT 541-471-2222,

TO SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CASE EVALUATION CONSULTATION, or

TO RECEIVE OUR COMPLIMENTARY ESTATE PLANNING CHECKLIST

The most Powerful Gift you can leave behind isn’t just Assets – it’s Clarity, Security, and a Legacy that reflects your Values

——–
Evergreen Law Group, LLC
542 Washington Street, Suite 103

www.evergreenlawgroup.net

Ph:  541-471-2222