Life & Family Guides

What do you need help with?

Find practical guidance, books, checklists, and forms for the decisions and responsibilities facing you and your family.

You don't need to know which legal document to look for. Start with the situation that brought you here.

Plan for yourself

Get organized, prepare for the unexpected, and keep your plans in step with your life.

Getting Your Affairs in Order

I want to make things easier for the people who may need to help me.

Bring together important records, contacts, practical instructions, and planning documents so the people you trust know where to start.

Explore This Topic

Preparing for Illness or an Emergency

Who could make decisions or handle practical matters if I couldn't?

Think through whom you'd trust, what you'd want them to know, and which healthcare and financial planning documents to consider.

Explore This Topic

Getting Your Living Trust in Order

I'm considering a living trust, or I'm not sure what comes after signing one.

Understand the basics, learn about trust funding, and organize the information and supporting documents that go with a trust plan.

Explore This Topic

Keeping Your Estate Plan Current

My life has changed. Does my plan still fit?

Review the people, wishes, and circumstances reflected in your documents, and understand the questions to address before making changes.

Explore This Topic

Protect and support your family

Prepare for important conversations, changing needs, and the people who depend on you.

Helping Aging Parents

How do we talk about money, care, and what comes next?

Start thoughtful conversations, understand your parents' wishes, and gather important information while respecting their independence.

Explore This Topic

Protecting Your Children

Who would care for my children if I couldn't?

Explore temporary caregiver arrangements and longer-term planning for guardians, financial support, and the information trusted people may need.

Explore This Topic

Preparing for College and Young Adulthood

What should we prepare as a young adult becomes more independent?

Discuss emergency contacts, trusted helpers, and documents to consider for college, work, or living away from home.

Explore This Topic

Take on a new responsibility

Find a starting point when you're helping after a death or preparing to manage a trust.

After Someone Dies

Someone close to me has died, and I don't know where to start.

Understand common first steps, organize important information, and learn about the different roles involved in handling an estate.

Explore This Topic

Serving as a Successor Trustee

I've been named trustee. What does that mean for me?

Prepare for a future role or get organized when it's time to act, with guidance on responsibilities, records, and questions to ask.

Explore This Topic

These resources provide general information, not legal advice. For advice about your circumstances, consult a lawyer licensed in your state.