About Willow L.E.A.F. Project

Willow L.E.A.F. Project was founded in 2023 by Lindsay Warnes and Megan Campbell to support first responders and their families in creating estate plans that actually work. After learning that many First Responders do not have an estate plan - despite the dangerous nature of their profession - Willow L.E.A.F. Project was created to provide resources for First Responders in the DMV area to create comprehensive estate plans that will actually protect and provide for their families should something happen to them.

What does this mean? Many of the organizations that provide free wills and basic estate plans to first responders do not have the resources to educate about the nuances of estate planning prior to preparing the documents. While having a will might seem like it’s better than not having anything at all, this isn’t always the case. We have found that most, if not all, of these services draft documents based on the client’s answers to a questionnaire. And while a questionnaire is a great way to gather information, it shouldn’t be the only basis for creating documents as important as a will or healthcare directive. Most people - even lawyers - don’t fully understand all that is involved in creating a solid estate plan.  

You’ve probably been told you need a Will, a Healthcare Directive and a Financial Power of Attorney. Here are some questions for you:

• What does each of these documents do? Who should you name as your agent for each of these documents?

• What’s a Living Will? 

• What is a Revocable Living Trust? How is that different from a Will? 

• Do you need a Trust or just a Will? 

• What happens to your kids if you’re a single parent and something happens to you? How should you plan for this scenario?

• Who should you name as beneficiaries on your retirement accounts? Life Insurance?

• If you become disabled and can’t work, can your spouse continue to make the mortgage payments?

• What if you have a child or loved one with special needs?

• Do you have enough life insurance?

• Are your assets (house, bank accounts, cars) titled in such a way that they are protected if you get sued for something that happens on the job?

A questionnaire isn’t going to ask you most (if any) of these questions. And you probably won’t get the answers from the attorney or staff preparing the documents unless you ask. But you have to know to ask. 

That’s where we come in. We provide educational resources that will address all of the above questions and more so you can tailor your estate plan to your family’s individual needs. We have your back so you can protect those you love the most.