Leaders in law, wealth management, financial services, and legal technology will help advance modern, accessible estate planning
October 19, 2026 — The LIVE (Legacy, Innovation, & Virtual Estate Planning) Coalition today announced the formation of its inaugural Advisory Council during National Estate Planning Awareness Week. Professor Gerry W. Beyer, Jennifer Povlitz, Sangeeta Doss, and Gary Chodes bring extensive experience across estate planning law, wealth transitions, and technology. These four distinguished leaders will help guide the coalition’s mission to modernize estate planning laws, expand access for everyday families, and promote consumer choice.
The announcement marks another milestone for LIVE, which has grown from 12 founding members in February 2026 to over 70 members united to make estate planning more accessible through secure, digital options.
“Our inaugural advisory council brings perspectives that connect policy to the real needs of everyday families,” said Kristina Howard, Executive Director of the LIVE Coalition. “Their guidance will help build on our momentum and strengthen LIVE’s voice as we advance modern estate planning so everyone can pass along their legacy to their loved ones.”
Professor Gerry W. Beyer, Dean’s Scholar in Estate Planning at Texas Tech University School of Law, brings more than four decades of experience. Prof. Beyer is a nationally recognized estate planning scholar and Uniform Law Commission reporter for electronic estate planning documents. “Modern estate planning laws can preserve essential safeguards while giving consumers greater flexibility in how they create and execute these important documents,” said Beyer.
Jennifer Povlitz, Vice Chair and Managing Director, U.S. Global Wealth Management at UBS, a senior wealth management executive and Trust & Will board member, brings more than three decades of experience and a passion for helping families navigate multigenerational wealth transitions. “As wealth passes between generations, families need estate planning options that reflect their values, circumstances, and the way they live today,” said Povlitz.
Sangeeta Doss, a former Wells Fargo executive who built and led the bank’s Estate Care Center, brings more than 36 years of financial services leadership experience. “Having supported families through estate settlement, I know how much accessible planning and compassionate processes can matter when people are facing loss,” said Doss.
Gary Chodes, CEO of The National Law Review, is a serial entrepreneur with extensive experience building legal technology, legal services, and financial businesses. “LIVE brings together the expertise and innovation needed to expand access to estate planning and help policymakers understand the value of digital options,” said Chodes.
National Estate Planning Awareness Week offers an opportunity to encourage families to plan ahead, and to highlight how digital options can reduce barriers related to cost, distance, mobility, and busy schedules while preserving traditional methods for those who prefer them.
About the LIVE Coalition.
The LIVE Coalition brings together companies, industry leaders, and nonprofit advocates to modernize estate planning laws, expand consumer choice, and raise awareness of the benefits of digital estate planning. Learn more at LIVEcoalition.com.
Media Contact: Kristina Howard | Kristina@livecoaltiion.com
