Estate planning is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your future and your family. With LegalShield Estate Planning Benefit Plans, you gain access to legal guidance, essential documents, and ongoing support - all in one convenient, affordable membership. You have the comfort of knowing that a LegalShield estate planning attorney is preparing the important and necessary documents

Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy or the elderly - it’s a practical step for anyone who wants a say about what happens to their assets, responsibilities, and loved ones. Life is unpredictable, and having a plan in place ensures your wishes are known, whether that involves how property is distributed, who manages your affairs, or who cares for those who depend on you. Without an estate plan, many of these decisions are left to the courts and state law, which may not reflect your values or intentions.

In every one of the 50 states, the probate court plays a role in overseeing how a person s estate is administered after death, including validating a will, addressing creditors, and supervising the distribution of property. A Last Will and Testament lets you state who should receive your personal property, but it generally does not prevent your estate from going through probate. Many people also package their Living Will (often called a physician s directive) and a durable power of attorney for healthcare alongside their will so their medical wishes and decision-maker are clearly documented; while these documents don t avoid probate either, they help ensure your voice and wishes are respected and honored by the court and by medical decision-makers if you cannot speak for yourself. With a LegalShield Family Plan, this can be a valuable benefit for the member and for the member s spouse or domestic partner by helping ensure these essential documents are in place.﻿
Quick Note: Your Living Will Can Be Prepared With Your Last Will & Testimony
When you have your last will and testament prepared, you can also have your living will (physician’s directive) completed at the same time by your Legal Shield attorney so your estate wishes and your healthcare wishes are both clearly documented in one coordinated plan.

Having your legal documents, especially a Living Will drafted by a professional estate planning attorney, is important regardless of your age or wealth. These documents carry real life legal, medical, and personal consequences if they are not established while you are living. Professionally drafted documents by an estate planning attorney is not about how much you own or how old you are, but about control, clarity, and protection when life becomes unpredictable and could be your last voice.

A Living Will is too important to leave to generic templates or assumptions. A professional estate planning attorney ensures your wishes are legally valid, up to state with your state rules and regulations, clearly expressed, and respected whether you are 25 or 75, whether you own very little or a lot. Age and wealth won't determine whether your voice matters and his heard in probate court, proper planning will matter a great deal. It is especially important for single parents with children still living with them.

What Is a Living Will - A Living Will allows you to clearly state your healthcare wishes if you’re ever unable to speak for yourself.

A professionally prepared Living Will can:
          •	 Communicate your medical and life support preferences
          • 	Identify who can make healthcare decisions on your behalf
          •	 Provide clear guidance to doctors and medical professionals
          •	 Reduce confusion and emotional strain for loved ones

When combined with a Health Care Authority (Physician's Directive) and Power of Attorney, your Living Will helps ensure decisions are guided by your choices - not default state laws, hospital policies, or the probate court. It could be your last voice!

Why Professional Preparation Matters - Estate planning laws differ from state to state. Even small errors or unclear language can cause delays or complications when documents are needed most.

Through LegalShield, you avoid the risks often found with generic online forms or DIY templates. As a member you have access to experienced attorneys who:
          • 	Understand state specific requirements
          • 	Use clear, legally enforceable language
          •	 Help ensure documents are recognized when needed

With a LegalShield membership the member, spouse, or domestic partner both receive separate Living Wills at no extra cost. The typical cost for a common basic Living Will drafter by an estate planning attorney can be between $300-$700 per person. 