Chicago Defender writer Marshelle Sanders with Monique Roberson (Photo Provided)
by Marshelle Sanders, For the Chicago Defender
This story is part of The Chicago Defender’s Money Smart Week coverage, highlighting the importance of estate planning and financial empowerment in the Black community.
In honor of Money Smart Week, The Chicago Defender highlights the importance of estate planning, not just as a financial necessity but as an actual love letter to your family.
In an intimate Interview, media personality and life coach Monique Roberson shared that it’s more than writing a will or dividing up real estate—it’s about organizing your whole life’s legacy, so your loved ones aren’t left with confusion, chaos, or court battles.
Roberson is a passionate advocate for educating communities about estate planning and access to affordable legal support. She breaks down the what, the why, and most importantly, the how — all in a way that’s approachable, honest, and rooted in real-life experience.
Marshelle Sanders: Hi Monique, thank you for meeting with me at the library for this interview about planning for the afterlife and why making these decisions is essential now.
To start, why is it crucial to clearly outline your wishes through an estate plan? And what are some of the risks or consequences if we don’t take those steps?
Monique Roberson: The biggest thing is that losing a loved one is already emotionally devastating — but when there’s no clear plan, the emotional toll gets tangled with financial confusion. You’re grieving, and now you also have to figure out old bills, taxes, and who gets what. And let’s be real, some families fight over stuff.
Sometimes it’s about sentimental things like a fur coat that’s not even real, but those fights still happen. Having a will and estate plan removes the guesswork. It says, ‘This is what I want,’ clearly and legally. Otherwise, the state, not your family, gets to decide. That can lead to expensive probate court, higher taxes or even loss of generational assets altogether.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Sanders: So, what’s stopping people, especially in the Black community, from getting this done?
Roberson: For a few key things, we always feel like we have more time. It’s expensive. Lawyers can charge a lot per hour. Trust Issues. Sharing your private info—like finances—can feel risky, especially when we’re not used to seeing lawyers we trust or know.
Sanders: How do we, as a community, start to break through those trust issues? Especially when it’s about something so personal?
Roberson: We have to start trusting the process more than the people. This means trusting a reliable law firm over a cousin “so-and-so” who says they got your back. Sometimes, the person who would end up with your kids isn’t even someone you’d trust to babysit. So don’t leave it to chance. Take control of your legacy and put it in writing.
Also, we’ve got to stop thinking that talking about death means we’re inviting it. Writing won’t kill you. It protects your family.
Sanders: You mentioned digital assets in your video. That’s a newer topic. Can you explain what those are and how they fit into estate planning?
Roberson: Yes! Digital assets include your phone, online banking apps, NFTs, crypto, photos in the cloud, business documents in Dropbox — all that. Even your social media. If you pass, Apple, Facebook, and Google let you choose a person to manage your account. If you don’t fill that out? Your family could be locked out of your phone and your finances. So, yes — include digital assets in your estate plan. These things hold serious value in today’s world.
Sanders: How can estate planning help families, especially in urban communities, avoid the emotional and financial trauma of probate court?
Roberson: Perfect example — my husband’s family. The house was already in the family, passed down through generations. No one was fighting over it. But because there was no will, they had to go through probate, pay thousands in legal fees, and buy back what was already theirs. That’s the trap so many fall into.
To avoid that, you need these core documents:
Last will – spells out who gets what.
- Durable Power of Attorney – who handles your finances or legal matters if you can’t.
- Living Will – your medical wishes if you’re incapacitated.
- Beneficiary Designations – for insurance policies, retirement accounts, etc.
These documents act as your blueprint. It’s not about favoritism — it’s about clarity. You’ve made your decisions, so no one else has to.
Sanders: What’s the difference between a will and a trust, and how do I know which one I need?
Roberson: Great question. Trusts are often recommended online, but truth is—not everyone needs one. Think of a trust like a bank that holds your assets—you don’t personally own them anymore. The trust does. That’s why it’s often used for people with bigger portfolios or multiple assets.
Conversely, a will is essential for everyone—it outlines your wishes and helps your family avoid drama and confusion when you’re gone. Don’t delay a will because you’re “waiting to get rich.” Start with the will. A lawyer can always help you determine if a trust is needed later.
Sanders: Why should families focus on estate planning, especially during emotional times like grief?
Roberson: Because grief is already complicated. Period. And when you don’t have your affairs in order—like a will or estate plan—grief gets complicated with scrambling through paperwork, family conflict, and confusion. Having things set up properly means you can focus on honoring your loved one, their life, and begin your healing journey, instead of stressing over legalities.
Sanders: And those stats you mentioned are shocking — only 24% of Black families have an estate plan?
Roberson: Yes.
Only 24% of Black people have a will. And just 32% of people overall. That’s 76% of our community without a plan — and the consequences are real. We’re losing generational wealth because we don’t protect it. We have to do better.
Sanders: What are some resources that make this easier and more affordable?
Roberson: We work with LegalShield, a 53-year-old company that offers affordable, subscription-based legal plans. Think of it like health insurance, but for legal services. You get a provider law firm that handles your estate planning, plus legal help for other issues. It’s vetted, it’s reliable, and it’s making this process accessible. One of my friends had her full will done and delivered within two weeks. That’s peace of mind — on a budget.
Sanders: Why is having access to an entire law firm better than just one lawyer friend?
Roberson: Because lawyers specialize, just like doctors! You wouldn’t let your gynecologist do brain surgery, right? Same goes here. You don’t want your divorce attorney to write your will.
Also, you may not want to share sensitive information with a friend. With LegalShield, you can access multiple attorneys across fields—estate planning, education, consumer rights, you name it.
Sanders: Is LegalShield available 24/7 in emergencies?
Roberson: Yes, 24/7/365—even on holidays. There’s an emergency button in the app. One tap and an attorney can call you back within minutes.
For example, I got pulled over late at night. I opened my app, hit that red emergency button, and knew I was protected before the officer even got to the car.
Another time, my husband was rear-ended, and the officer acted like he was at fault. He called LegalShield, put the attorney on speaker, and everything changed; the officer had to go through the attorney. Game-changer.
Sanders: Any final words of advice to share with the people?
Roberson: Yes — don’t wait. And if you already have a will, update it! Marriages change, relationships shift, and people pass away. You don’t want an ex-spouse or someone you fell out with controlling your legacy. Stay current, stay clear, and protect what you’ve built.
Why a Will and Trust is Like a Love Letter
Roberson made it very clear that this love letter is not about alarming people and their family—it’s about preparing everyone ahead of time.
Having a will and trust is protection. It’s peace of mind. It’s empowerment for your family, your business, and your legacy.
If you’d like to learn more about LegalShield or begin your estate planning journey, visit coachmoro.com.
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