Sharon Baker-Boykin is a distinguished Legal Life Coach, attorney, author, and speaker who has made it her mission to help individuals and families eliminate legal chaos and replace it with clarity. With a diverse background in law and government, Sharon uses her expertise to guide her clients through difficult legal matters, particularly around estate planning and the probate process. She is the founder of Power of 1 Decision, LLC, a company dedicated to helping clients navigate critical life transitions with confidence and control.

Sharon’s journey into this field began from personal experience. As the eldest sibling in her family, Sharon was deeply affected by the loss of her father in 2018, just before Father’s Day. Within a short span of time, her family experienced multiple losses, including the passing of her great aunt in January 2019. The grief and complications that arose from these consecutive deaths opened Sharon’s eyes to the importance of having one’s affairs in order. Unfortunately, not all family members had prepared, leading to family disputes over the distribution of assets.

Sharon’s first-hand experience, coupled with her legal expertise, became the driving force behind her work. In 2019, she took on a role as a Probate Court Administrator in Georgia, which gave her further insight into the challenges families face when loved ones die intestate (without a will). Seeing families torn apart over the inability to find closure due to disorganized estates motivated her to educate others on how to avoid similar struggles.

Sharon’s sister encouraged her to write a book to share her knowledge on estate planning. As a result, she authored Help Me Get My Stuff In Order, a comprehensive yet simple guide to help individuals prepare their estates and avoid the legal complications that can arise when someone passes away without proper planning. The book, written in straightforward language, empowers people to make decisions that will safeguard their legacy and protect their loved ones.

With her deep understanding of the legal field, Sharon’s approach focuses on providing clarity and reducing stress for her clients, offering peace of mind during uncertain times. Her expertise is especially valuable to individuals navigating sensitive family situations, and her unique approach makes estate planning accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial background.

Today, Sharon Baker-Boykin continues to educate, inspire, and guide individuals and families through the legal complexities of estate planning. Her work as a Legal Life Coach combines legal knowledge with empathy and personal experience, ensuring that clients feel supported every step of the way. Through her company, Power of 1 Decision, LLC, she aims to transform how people approach the legal and emotional aspects of life’s transitions.

Anything NEW that you want to share about your business that has happened within the last three months?

In the last three months, I have been focused on expanding my reach and providing more valuable resources to those seeking estate planning guidance. One of the most exciting developments is the release of a new eBook, which complements my book Help Me Get My Stuff In Order. The free eBook offers a quick overview of the essential steps needed to get one’s affairs in order, providing practical tips in simple, digestible language.

Additionally, my company, Power of 1 Decision, LLC, has started offering personalized coaching sessions for clients who want a deeper dive into their estate planning needs. These sessions are designed to walk individuals through the process step-by-step, answering questions, and ensuring that they feel confident about the decisions they’re making. I’ve also been working on hosting webinars and live events to further educate people on the importance of estate planning and how to avoid the legal pitfalls that can follow when things are left in disarray. These efforts are part of my broader vision to make estate planning accessible to all, no matter their background or financial situation.

How did your personal experience influence your decision to help others with estate planning?

My personal experience with loss had a profound impact on my decision to help others with estate planning. In 2018, I lost my father unexpectedly, just before Father’s Day. This was an incredibly difficult time for my family, and the emotional toll was compounded by the complications that arose due to some family members not having their affairs in order. The grief we experienced was overwhelming, but the lack of clear legal direction added stress and confusion during an already painful time.

Just a few months later, we suffered another loss when my great aunt passed away. This series of deaths within a short period brought to light how many families, even those with significant assets, fail to properly plan for what happens after they’re gone. This issue became even clearer when I began my role as a Probate Court Administrator for the state of Georgia in 2019. I saw firsthand how families who didn’t have their affairs in order ended up in legal battles, resulting in heartache, resentment, and confusion.

The legal chaos I witnessed in both my family and through my work in probate court inspired me to take action. I knew that the pain and confusion surrounding death could be alleviated with proper planning, and I wanted to help others avoid the same struggles. This led me to write Help Me Get My Stuff In Order and start my business, Power of 1 Decision, LLC. My goal is to simplify the process and help families prepare, so they can focus on what truly matters—celebrating life, not dealing with the fallout of poor planning.

What are the common misconceptions about estate planning that you encounter in your work?

One of the most common misconceptions I encounter is the belief that estate planning is only for the wealthy. Many people assume that they don’t need a will or trust if they don’t have significant assets or if they’re not elderly. However, estate planning is important for everyone, regardless of their financial situation. It’s not just about dividing wealth; it’s about ensuring that your wishes are honored and that your loved ones don’t face unnecessary hardship when you pass away.

Another misconception is that estate planning is too complicated or expensive. People often think they need to hire an expensive attorney and spend a lot of time drafting complex documents. While it’s true that some situations require professional legal assistance, the basics of estate planning—such as creating a will, naming beneficiaries, and establishing power of attorney—are relatively simple steps that anyone can take. I’ve made it my mission to break down these processes and make them accessible through my book and coaching services, showing people that it’s possible to get their affairs in order without feeling overwhelmed or financially burdened.

Lastly, some people believe that once they create an estate plan, it’s set in stone. In reality, estate plans should be reviewed regularly, especially after significant life events, such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of children. It’s essential to keep your plan updated to ensure it reflects your current wishes and circumstances.

Contact Information

For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact Sharon Baker-Boykin:

• Email: sharon@powerof1decision.com
• Website: www.legallifecoachsharonbaker.com
• Facebook: facebook.com/attorneysharonbaker
• Instagram: @sbaker6805
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-d-baker-boykin-esq-43a70a6/