Frequently Asked Questions

We recommend starting with our Get Prepared page, which walks you through organizing your documents and finances. From there, you can explore documenting your wishes (Your Personal Legacy), nurturing your well-being (Finding Peace & Comfort), and preparing your family (Supporting Your Family). You don't need to do everything at once—pick one area that feels most important to you and start there.

Absolutely. Thinking about end-of-life planning brings up many emotions, and feeling overwhelmed is completely normal. Remember: this is a journey, not a race. Take it one small step at a time. Many people find that once they start, it actually brings peace of mind rather than stress. Our team is here to support you—don't hesitate to reach out if you need guidance.

Costs vary widely depending on your situation and needs. A simple will might cost $300-$1,000 through an attorney. A comprehensive estate plan with a trust could range from $1,500-$5,000 or more. However, many aspects of preparation—like organizing documents, having conversations with family, and documenting your wishes—cost nothing but time. Our educational resources and guidance are free. We can also help connect you with affordable legal resources in your community.

It depends on your situation. You might benefit from a trust if you: own real estate, want to avoid probate, value privacy, have a blended family, want control over how assets are distributed over time, or want protection in case of incapacity. A will might be sufficient if you have a simple estate with few assets and straightforward wishes. We recommend consulting with an estate planning attorney to determine what's best for your situation.

A revocable living trust is the most common type of trust. "Revocable" means you can change or cancel it at any time during your lifetime. "Living" means you create it while you're alive (as opposed to a testamentary trust created by a will). You typically serve as both the trustee (manager) and beneficiary while alive, maintaining full control of your assets. When you pass, the trust assets transfer to your beneficiaries without going through probate.

A revocable trust does NOT protect assets from nursing home costs because you still have control over the assets. An irrevocable trust may provide some protection, but there are important considerations: Medicaid has a 5-year "look-back period" for asset transfers, and complex rules apply. This type of planning requires careful consideration of your goals, timeline, and family situation. We strongly recommend consulting with an elder law attorney who specializes in Medicaid planning.

For a revocable living trust, you typically name yourself as trustee while you're alive and capable. You'll also name a successor trustee who takes over if you become incapacitated or pass away. This could be: a trusted family member, a close friend, a professional fiduciary, or a bank/trust company. Choose someone who is trustworthy, organized, good with finances, and willing to serve. Consider naming a backup successor trustee as well.

Keep originals of important documents (will, trust, deeds, etc.) in a fireproof safe at home or a bank safe deposit box. However, make sure someone you trust knows where they are and can access them when needed. Keep copies in a second location. For documents like your Healthcare Power of Attorney and Living Will, give copies to your healthcare proxy, your doctor, and close family members. Consider creating a simple "letter of instruction" that tells your family where to find everything.

Start with a calm, private moment—not during a crisis or holiday gathering. You might say something like: "I've been thinking about the future and want to make sure my wishes are known so you won't have to guess." Focus on your desire to make things easier for them, not on morbid topics. You don't have to cover everything at once. Visit our Resources page for more conversation starters.

This is exactly why documenting your wishes is so important. When your preferences are clearly stated in legal documents (Living Will, Healthcare Power of Attorney), the person you've designated has clear authority to make decisions on your behalf. Having conversations with family members while you're healthy can help prevent conflicts later. If you anticipate disagreements, consider discussing this with an attorney who can help structure your documents to minimize potential disputes.

Yes! An estate plan is important regardless of whether you have children. Without a plan, state laws determine who inherits your assets—which may not match your wishes. You also need someone designated to make medical and financial decisions if you become incapacitated. Many people without children leave their assets to nieces, nephews, friends, or charitable organizations they care about. An estate plan ensures your wishes are followed.