From Navy JAG to Estate Planning: Why Every Family Needs a Plan Before It's Too Late

For more than a decade, Kate Tanner served as a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General's Corps, prosecuting crimes, advising military commanders, and helping service members through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. But after years of dealing with the legal consequences of life's worst days, she realized she wanted to help families avoid those crises altogether. In this episode of Estate Planning Nightmares...and How to Avoid Them, Jon Braddock sits down with Kate to discuss her remarkable journey from Navy prosecutor to estate planning attorney and why she believes estate planning is one of the greatest gifts we can leave the people we love. Together they discuss: • Kate's path from human trafficking advocacy to the Navy JAG Corps • What she learned while prosecuting cases and advising military leaders around the world • Why she chose estate planning after leaving military service • Why estate planning is for every family—not just the wealthy • The advantages of trusts over wills • How advanced healthcare directives can provide clarity for families facing dementia or Alzheimer's • The unique planning considerations facing LGBTQ+ individuals and families • Why financial literacy should be part of every family's legacy • How estate planning helps preserve not only assets, but also stories, values, and peace of mind Kate's passion for making estate planning accessible to everyone shines throughout this conversation. She shares thoughtful, practical advice while reminding us that the greatest value of a good estate plan isn't found in legal documents—it's found in reducing stress, preventing conflict, and making life easier for the people we love. If you've been putting off your estate plan because you think you're too young, don't have enough assets, or simply don't know where to start, this episode is for you. To learn more about Kate Tanner and Tanner Life & Estate Planning, visit ⁠https://tannerestateplanning.com/⁠ or follow her on Instagram ⁠  / ⁠