Jehan Crump-Gibson is a seasoned attorney with over 16 years of experience, specializing in business, real estate, and probate law. As the founder of Greal Lakes Legal Group, PLLC, she is dedicated to helping individuals safeguard their legacies and navigate the complexities of estate planning. In addition to her successful legal practice, Jehan is the author of interview, Jehan breaks down the myths surrounding estate planning and offers actionable advice to help families prepare for the inevitable.
Jehan’s journey to writing her book was influenced by her experiences with families torn apart by lack of preparation. “It was a collection of experiences over my 16 years of practicing in probate and estate planning,” she explains. “I’ve seen families ripped to shreds. Even when there’s no family discord, people experience unnecessary stress simply because they didn’t plan. It hit me—I had to write a book in plain language that people could understand.” With her book, she aims to make estate planning accessible and relatable by telling real stories that readers can connect with.
Estate planning, though essential, is often avoided, especially in communities of color. Jehan highlights the generational barriers that contribute to this hesitation. “Older generations often have a general distrust of sharing financial plans. For younger generations, no one wants to think about death,” she says. “But death is part of life. We plan for everything else—baby showers, graduations, retirement parties. We need to apply that same foresight to planning for the inevitable.”
Despite the myths that surround estate planning, Jehan is clear: “Your estate is whatever you have—whether it’s a bank account, a car, or a home. Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy. It’s for managing what you have and preparing for when you’re alive but can’t manage your own affairs due to illness or incapacity.”
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One of the most common misconceptions is that a will alone will prevent probate court. Jehan explains, “A will is simply an instruction sheet. It doesn’t avoid probate. If your property is in your name alone and there are no proper beneficiary designations, it will go through probate.” She warns that many people believe their loved ones will automatically inherit their assets, but this assumption can lead to costly surprises. “The truth is, that’s a dangerous assumption,” she says. “If your property is in your name alone, it will go to probate, even if you’re married. I’ve seen widows in their 90s, not on the deed with their husbands, having to go through probate despite the house being paid off.”
Probate court, Jehan emphasizes, is often more than just a legal process—it’s an emotional battlefield. “Probate court can get intense. Emotions are high, and family drama comes to the surface. I’ve seen siblings accuse each other of causing a parent’s death or fight over the smallest possessions. It’s messy and public. But it’s avoidable if people just plan ahead,” she explains.
When it comes to getting started with estate planning, Jehan advises focusing on two key areas: “Start with figuring out your ‘who’ and ‘what.’ Who will manage your affairs if you’re incapacitated or after you pass? Who will you leave your assets to? Then, figure out what you have and what you want to happen to it—whether it’s a house, bank accounts, or life insurance policies.”
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One common mistake she sees frequently is people designating minor children as beneficiaries. “Minors can’t legally handle their inheritance,” Jehan says. “So, someone has to go to probate to manage the funds for them, which creates unnecessary delays and complications.” She advises parents to plan ahead and appoint a legal guardian for minor children to avoid complications down the line.
In her book, Jehan hopes to provide readers with the tools to plan effectively, regardless of their wealth. “I want readers to understand that estate planning is not about how much you have—it’s about planning for what you have,” she says. “And making sure your loved ones are taken care of.”
Jehan’s practical advice and straightforward approach to estate planning offer a wake-up call for anyone who’s put off these critical decisions. Her message is clear: Start today, protect what you have, and ensure your legacy is secure for the future.
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