Wills, trusts, powers of attorney, guardianship, conservatorship - these are some of the tools that may help you make your family’s life easier as you age and after your death. While it can be difficult to talk about, it’s really an act of love to plan ahead. These examples help show why estate planning is important - both for your life now and your death later.

Taking care of young children

Samantha's father died without a will, when she was just 10 years old.  Her mother had passed away when she was a toddler.  Her dad never talked to Samantha about what might happen if he died.  While they spent time with family, she's not close to most of them and there aren't any cousins her age.  She's living with an aunt, but there will need to be a judge's order giving her a permanent home and she's very scared about the whole process. Her aunt is willing to take care of Samantha, but the prospect of dealing with the guardianship and conservatorship process is overwhelming. She wishes Samantha’s father had executed a will, nominated her as guardian and explained his plan to her niece.

Taking care of money

Danny's children are adults.  In the last couple years, his health has declined and he's no longer able to pay his own bills and manage his money.  His children want to help, but they're not on Danny's accounts and they don't have anything else giving them power to help him out. They’re having a difficult time addressing this with him, and feel like the burden is on them to hire an attorney and determine whether a power of attorney is sufficient or whether they need a conservatorship.

Taking care of land

Camilla and her husband owned a several hundred acre farm.  When her husband died, Camilla took over the business.  She could never quite decide what she wanted to have happen with the business when she died.  Camilla did not add a business partner after her husband’s death, and her will left all of her property to her children in equal shares. The two children, who are now in their 40s, have never gotten along well and don't agree on what to do with the land, equipment and animals. They’ve hired their own attorneys and have already paid several thousand dollars to argue about the business through their attorneys.