Do you have your estate planning completed? If not, your state and federal government have done it for you – and you might not like how they have arranged your personal affairs.

Scary thought isn’t it? Especially if you have children. This is an emotionally charged issue with many of us, but please do not put off completing this task as it is most important.

All of us need to have a will, guardianship legally established, documents dealing with health issues (living will and a medical power of attorney) and additional personal estate all legally documented and established.

Research the topic (again the Dummies series has been helpful for us) and then contact an attorney who specializes in estate planning. Having a personal friend who is an estate attorney has really made me understand the enormous consequences that can, and usually do, occur when your estate has not been prepared for your personal situation.

Also discuss with your estate attorney how to approach your parents and their needs as they age and many time neglect this important preparation for the future.