Denise Bonk, Attorney at Law

08/12/2026

It's Tuesday, and I do not have a tip. But...I do have a fun fact. August is actually “Make A Will Month.” I didn’t believe it either until I looked it up after seeing it pop up on my screen this morning. You don’t hear about it often, but it’s a tiny bit validating to know this topic matters enough to earn its own month.

While making sure this was real thing before posting, I stumbled across this website that actually some interesting and helpful information.

If you’ve been putting off your Life Essentials, August is a gentle nudge from the universe.

ACTEC celebrates Make-A-Will Month with free videos and podcasts to help you start or update your will and protect your loved ones.

08/09/2026

I’m starting to prepare for this week’s Tuesday tip and am curious to know if there are any particular topics you’d like to be covered. Anyone have any burning questions or maybe something you heard but wasn’t sure if it was true? Maybe you have a story to share that others can learn from? Comment below or send me a message.

08/04/2026

Don’t worry, I’m not here to share sad stories every day. But seeing two posts in a row from our local shelter is a reminder that this happens all the time, and it’s completely preventable with a little planning. I have no doubt these pets were deeply loved members of a family.

Helping people make plans for their pets is part of my lifelong commitment to animal advocacy. I want people everywhere to understand that no matter where you live, there are legal tools that make sure your animals are cared for if something happens to you.

For me, this work is about looking out for pets and the people who love them.

08/04/2026

Yes, it's another Tuesday and time for another tip. Today I talk about testamentary capacity aka being of sound mind when you sign your Life Essentials documents. As always, different states may have different requirements, but the information here is generally the expectation.

Understanding Testamentary Capacity: A Simple Guide

08/04/2026

I know I just talked about this yesterday in my Substack post. If you are a pet parent, this is exactly why it is so important to have a plan in place if something happens to you.

If you are in the Indy area and looking for a new companion, consider visiting IACS and help this cutie find his forever home.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1D8qHrZKQS/?mibextid=wwXIfr

🐱 Toby Is Looking for a Quiet Place to Call Home ❤️

At 10 years old, Toby isn't asking for much.

He doesn't want a busy household, constant visitors, or lots of excitement. What Toby really wants is a peaceful home where he can finally relax, feel safe, and be loved.

The shelter has been overwhelming for him. He often appears shut down in his kennel, quietly waiting for the day someone gives him a chance. But that's not the whole story.

Before coming to us, Toby spent 10 years in one home. His family described him as a shy, reserved cat who absolutely loves to cuddle once he trusts you. He enjoys curling up in bed, burrowing into blankets or piles of laundry, watching the world from a sunny window, and surprising you with playful moments.

Toby doesn't make friends overnight. New people are scary to him, and he needs time and patience to build trust. Once he feels safe, though, he's a loyal companion who simply wants to be close to his person.

Because of his sensitive nature, Toby would do best in:
🏡 A calm, quiet home.
🐾 Patient adopters who will let him adjust at his own pace.
👶 A home without young children, as toddlers make him nervous.
💙 Someone who understands that the best relationships are sometimes the ones worth waiting for.

Like many cats, Toby has shown stress-related behaviors in the past, including hiding during thunderstorms, occasional litter box accidents during stressful times, and becoming overstimulated if pushed beyond his comfort level. These behaviors are manageable with an understanding home that respects his boundaries and gives him the space he needs.

Toby has spent a decade being someone's beloved companion. Losing that home has been incredibly hard on him, but we know there's another person out there who will see past his fear and recognize the sweet, cuddly cat waiting underneath.

If your home is quiet and your heart is patient, Toby just might be the companion you've been looking for.

Come meet Toby at Indianapolis Animal Care Services and help this deserving senior spend his golden years where he belongs—in a loving home.

08/02/2026

I hope everyone is having a restful Sunday as we gear up for another week ahead. Here in Indiana, many kids are headed back to school. I wish all the families and teachers a safe and successful school year!

Here is my personal story of procrastination. I’m sure many of you can relate. Make it to the end of the article to see photos of my why.

A confession from the Life Essentials attorney who asked you the same question

07/30/2026

For people in the Indianapolis metro area, I am now a notary public and offer stand-alone mobile notary services. See my website for details dbonklaw.com

07/28/2026

Hello! It's time for Tuesday's tip, piggybacking off of last week's post on trusts. My friend had the perfect response when I asked if I could share her story. "Our lives are meant to be messages - what to do or lord have mercy don't do." I think most of us can relate particularly when things go awry. Hugs, my friend.

A friend's experience reveals how one missing step can send a family straight into probate

07/27/2026

Here’s an article I saw on Substack to get you thinking about how will a loved one access your cell phone or accounts during a time of incapacity or when trying to close your estate. Do you have a plan that is secure yet easily accessible to those who need it?

This post makes a really important point. When my sister died, I was unable to access her cell phone. That said, she still paid most bills through the mail and kept her paperwork fairly organized. She had a small notebook with passwords so we could figure out what accounts she had. In this digital e...

07/22/2026

Good evening, and thanks for joining me for another Tuesday tip! This week is an introduction to revocable and irrevocable trusts. Setting up a trust depends on the goals that you are trying to achieve. It is more complex than a will, and if set up incorrectly, things can go sideways pretty quickly. As a sneak peek into next week's post, I'll be sharing the story of a friend who is dealing with this headache of a situation right now.

An introduction to revocable and irrevocable trusts