During Women's History Month, we are proud to focus on educating and empowering women to take an active role in estate planning.

In a recent conversation with WJBK‑TV FOX 2 Detroit Reporter and Anchor Brandon Hudson, Attorney Dawn M. Schluter, JD, LLM reflected on the legacy of the “Queen of Soul,” Aretha Franklin—an icon whose extraordinary musical impact and leadership in social justice contrasted sharply with the uncertainty and controversy surrounding her estate.

Aretha Franklin was a trailblazer in music and a powerful voice for change. Her story reminds us that strength, success, and influence should also extend to thoughtful planning for the future. A clear estate plan is one of the most meaningful gifts we can give our families.

Yet, like Aretha, more than 70% of Americans do not have their estate planning documents in place. As women, empowering ourselves with knowledge and proactive planning ensures our voices continue to be heard—on our terms.

We celebrate the power, resilience, and influence of women who have shaped our world. Few embody that legacy more profoundly than Aretha Franklin the “Queen of Soul.” Her voice defined generations, her courage fueled social change, and her presence commanded respect.

As an attorney, I want to speak to you not only about her brilliance but about the lessons we, as women, must take from what happened after the music stopped. Because even queens need a plan.

The Power of a Voice On and Off the Stage

Aretha Franklin spent decades using her voice to inspire, uplift, and lead. She stood at the intersection of music, civil rights, and women's empowerment. She built an extraordinary legacy personally, professionally, and culturally. Yet when she passed in 2018, she left behind something unexpected: uncertainty. Despite an estate estimated to be worth millions, Aretha Franklin did not have a formal, legally executed estate plan in place. What followed was a five-year legal battle involving multiple handwritten wills—one even discovered in her couch cushions—before her estate was finally settled.

When There's No Plan, the Courts Decide

Her story is not unique. Many people do not have estate planning documents in place. And too often, women—who are caregivers, leaders, and decision-makers in so many areas of life, delay or avoid this critical step.

In Aretha's case, the absence of a clear, legally sound plan led to:

• Years of family conflict
• Costly legal fees
• Public exposure of private financial matters
• Significant tax burdens
• Uncertainty about her true wishes

Ultimately, decisions about her legacy were placed in the hands of the court not fully in her own.

A Message to Every Woman: Your Voice Matters. Even After You're Gone

As women, we fight to be heard in our careers, our families, and our communities. Estate planning is how we ensure our voice continues—clearly, confidently, and on our terms. It is not just about wealth. It is about:

• Protecting your family
• Preserving your intentions
• Avoiding unnecessary conflict
• Maintaining privacy and dignity
• Leaving a legacy of clarity, not confusion

A well-crafted estate plan is one of the most powerful acts of self-advocacy you can make.

Lessons from the Queen of Soul

Aretha Franklin taught us many things but her estate teaches us this:

1. Informal is not enough
   Handwritten notes, drafts, or verbal wishes may not hold up legally.
2. Clarity prevents conflict
   Ambiguity can divide families—even the closest ones.
3. Proper execution matters
   A plan must meet legal requirements to be enforceable.
4. Updates must be formalized
   Changes to your wishes should always be properly documented.
5. Planning is empowerment
   Taking control of your future is an act of strength—not fear.

Your Legacy, Your Terms

This Women's History Month, let's honor the legacy of powerful women not only by celebrating their achievements but by learning from their stories. You don't have to be a global icon to leave behind something meaningful. Every woman has a legacy worth protecting. So I ask you:

Are your estate planning documents in place?
Are they current or due for a review ?
Do they reflect your wishes today?

We invite you to call us and begin the conversation. Take that next step whether it's creating your first estate plan or reviewing an existing one. Because your voice deserves to be heard. Your family deserves clarity. And your legacy deserves protection.

Photo credit :Publicity photo via Wikimedia Commons of Aretha Franklin from Billboard 17 February 1968