Brett Bussan grew up in the rural stillness of a dairy farm in southwestern Wisconsin. His family rose early to milk cows. It was an idyllic childhood that instilled a staunch work ethic and appreciation for family.
When Bussan was only three years old, his father died, leaving his family at a crossroads all too often faced by loved ones.
“They worked so hard on the farm, but they had a plan in place,” he remembers. “This allowed my mom to go back to school and later allowed me to get multiple degrees.”
With a curiosity for supporting others, Bussan became a physical therapist. But, with an unquelled readiness for knowledge, he then attended DePaul University College of Law before returning to physical therapy for 20 years.
After moving from Chicago to North Texas with his own children, he realized that everyone he might name in his own estate plan lived 900 miles away. The realization prompted him to examine his family’s security and eventually pursue estate planning professionally by returning to the legal field.
“I knew I needed to create the right plan for my family,” he says. “That’s really what drove me into the deep dive of estate planning.”
Bussan partnered with his cousin, who was leaving another law firm to establish an independent practice. Together, they founded Ivy & Owl Law with a desire to create a modern, approachable firm that practiced an area of law centered on serving families.
“As a therapist, you need to educate and support patients so they can trust you to help them get better,” Bussan says.
With the same manner he used with patients in physical therapy, Bussan now shares his estate planning knowledge with legal clients. This tack was imperative for Christine Buoni and her family as they sought direction from Ivy & Owl while setting up their estate.
Buoni has three children: sons Brett (19), Blake (17), and daughter, Bella (9), who has autism and significant support needs. The family had postponed estate planning for years because it required them to directly confront some uncomfortable possibilities. As Buoni’s children grew older, she knew the need for an estate plan was becoming increasingly urgent.
“My biggest concern has always been, ‘Who is going to take care of Bella when I’m not here?’” Buoni says. “As a parent of a child with special needs, that question is always somewhere in the back of your mind.”
Buoni craved a plan that considered Bella’s care and advocacy, protected access to Bella’s services, safeguarded her sons’ future roles, clearly designated belongings, and prevented potential conflict between siblings.
“For me, estate planning wasn’t really about money or possessions,” Buoni says. “It was about our children and making difficult decisions now so they don’t have to make them later.”
Drafting a will is one piece of what can be a tapestry of decisions outlined in an estate plan. It may include trusts, incapacity documents, guardian documents and asset ownership.
For parents of minor children, Bussan believes planning should address both guardianship and the management of assets left for their children’s care. Separating caregiving and financial responsibilities can give parents the ability to choose the people best equipped for each role. It also creates an additional layer of accountability.
Estate planning also holds importance for adults who are young and healthy or who do not consider themselves wealthy. Incapacity documents authorize trusted individuals to make financial or medical decisions if an illness or accident leaves someone unable to act independently. Even married couples should not assume a spouse will automatically have the legal authority in every circumstance. By documenting these wishes in advance, families can reduce uncertainty and avoid unnecessary court proceedings during difficult moments.
“Whether you need a trust has little to do with the value of your assets and everything to do with the needs of your beneficiaries,” Bussan says.
Bussan recommends reviewing plans at least every three years because families, laws, and relationships change. This can also be necessary when major life events occur, like a move or a graduation. Such milestones are natural opportunities to review and update an estate plan.
Buoni says working with Bussan has given her peace of mind. She received digital and physical copies of her estate plan, along with personalized letters explaining relatives’ roles. Bussan provided thorough explanations and an unrushed process that contributed to a sense of ease.
“We walked away feeling informed, confident, and reassured that our family and our wishes are protected,” Buoni says. “Having those decisions made and a clear plan in place has given me a sense of peace that is hard to put into words. As a mom, that’s invaluable.”
“I’ve never had a client who wasn’t really grateful once we finished their planning,” Bussan says. “They don’t just feel relief. They feel a great sense of accomplishment.”
Ivy & Owl Law provides free estate-planning education through monthly Wine and Wills events. Upcoming sessions are posted on its website www.IvyOwlLaw.com and on its Facebook page at Ivy & Owl Law, PLLC. The firm offers members of the community a relaxed setting in which they can learn more about protecting their families and preparing for the future.
Those interested in learning more about planning their estate can schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation phone call with Bussan. This can also be done by visiting the firm’s website or by calling the office at 940.240.6810. If further planning would be beneficial, clients may submit paperwork before scheduling a Wise Planning Session. This includes a one- to two-hour consultation designed specifically to help families understand their choices and to begin formulating a plan tailored to their needs.
“Estate planning wasn’t about money or possessions. It was about our children and making difficult decisions now so they don’t have to make them later.”