Why Estate Planning

Matters at Every Age

As we continue celebrating National Estate Planning Awareness Month, this week’s focus is on why estate planning is essential for everyone, no matter your age or financial situation. Our featured blog explores how starting early can ensure your wishes are honored and your loved ones are protected. We've also included a special spotlight on Jon Long, one of our experienced attorneys who can guide you through the process with expert care.

Estate Planning is for Everyone

What comes to mind when you hear the words estate planning? If you think of old people with many assets, you are not alone. It is a common misconception that estate planning is only something done by people who are old or rich, or both. Estate planning is actually for everyone, and the earlier in life you start planning for your future, the better.

In addition to thinking that estate planning is only for people in their later years, younger people often put off creating their estate plans because they aren’t thinking about the end of their lives or simply don’t want to think about death. This is entirely understandable since when we are young old age and death seem so far away. However, the COVID pandemic has reminded us that death can come at any age. Creating and implementing a thoughtful estate plan will give you peace of mind and assurance that you have a plan in place in case you are unable to provide for yourself or your family.

Your estate plan will need updating over time to account for changes in the people and assets in your life, as well as evolving values and beliefs. When you first start the planning process, your plan will likely be simple. As your life progresses it can become quite complex...

Meet Jon Long

Jon Long, Esq.

Attorney at Law

Jon was born and raised near Fairfax, Virginia. While growing up, Jon enjoyed fishing and wrestling. In 2002, Jon graduated from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting. While in law school, Jon was an editor for the Water Law Review and a Judicial Intern for both The Honorable Chief Judge Larry J. Naves in the Civil Division of the Denver District Court and The Honorable Judge William D. Robbins in the Criminal Division of the Denver District Court. In 2007, Jon graduated with honors from the University of Denver, Sturm College of Law, with a Juris Doctorate Degree. 

After being admitted to the Colorado bar, Jon served for 14 years as a Deputy District Attorney at the Denver District Attorney’s Office, where he litigated a broad variety of cases, including complex financial matters, Department of Revenue investigations, violent felonies, and cold cases. Jon completed over 100 jury trials, argued hundreds of evidentiary motions in court, negotiated settlements in thousands of cases, and directed countless investigations.

Jon moved to Tennessee to raise his kids closer to old friends and family. He joined The Pickler Law Firm on January 3, 2022. Since then, Jon has enjoyed working directly with hundreds of clients to develop comprehensive estate plans, form and administer structured trusts, complete contract negotiations, form new businesses, and navigate the probate process.