A will outlines your wishes after death, including who gets what and who cares for your dependents. A trust can do that too, but it also allows assets to skip probate, making things faster and easier for your loved ones. A will says what happens after you die. A trust can start working while you’re still alive and helps your family avoid probate.

A will is for anyone who wants a say in what happens after they’re gone. If you have kids, own a home, have savings, want to leave specific items or money to loved ones or charities, have preferences about your funeral or burial, or want to avoid family confusion or conflict, you’ll want to draft a will.

A trust can be helpful for people who want to make things easier and faster for their loved ones. They aren’t just for the wealthy. You might need one if you own property in multiple states, want to avoid probate court (or Probate Patty as we call her), want to have more control over when and how assets are distributed, have a complex family situation, care for someone with special needs, or want more privacy after you’re gone.

The state decides what happens to your belongings, which may not match your wishes. It can also make things harder for your family.

An advance directive is a legal document that spells out your healthcare preferences if you can’t speak for yourself. It lets your loved ones and medical team know what matters to you most. Examples include Healthcare Power of Attorney, Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order, POLST or MOLST Forms (Physician/Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment), Organ and Tissue Donation Preferences, and Wills.

Through tools like a living will and healthcare proxy. These let you name someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf and explain what kind of care you want, or don’t want, in serious situations.

You’re not alone. Starting the conversation is one of the hardest parts. We offer guides and prompts to help make it easier and more natural.

Keep originals in a safe but accessible spot (like a fireproof box), and share copies with the people you trust, like your healthcare proxy, executor, or power of attorney.

Probate is the legal process of settling your estate. It can be time-consuming and costly. Using a trust, naming beneficiaries, and organizing your accounts can help your family avoid or simplify probate, or as we call her, “Probate Patty.”

Take our quiz or use our planning checklist. You don’t have to do everything at once. We’ll walk with you one step at a time.

Yes, in many US states. But it’s important to make sure it’s legally valid. Some people use online tools, others prefer a lawyer.

It depends on your goals. A trust gives more control, especially for managing money or avoiding probate, “Probate Patty.” A will is still useful for naming guardians and final wishes.

A living will shares your care wishes; a proxy names someone to speak for you if you can’t.

Someone you trust to honor your wishes, stay calm in emergencies, and speak up on your behalf.

Yes, you can update them anytime. Just make sure your care team and loved ones have the latest version.

That’s what a will lets you decide. Without it, a court will choose, and sometimes it’s not the person you’d want.

It’s not easy, but we’ve got conversation starters, templates, and guides to help you open the door gently.

Only if they know where to find them. That’s why organizing and sharing is just as important as writing things down.

Costs like long-term care, funeral arrangements, taxes, and managing your estate can add up. Having a plan helps your family avoid stress.

It helps cover things like home care or assisted living if you ever need daily help with basic activities.

Some people pre-pay. Others set up a payable-on-death account, or use life insurance. The key is to make your wishes and funds clear.

Not always. Some things you can do yourself with a little help, others are worth the legal guidance. We’ll help you sort out which is which.