Phase 1 · Secure the FoundationStep 13~3 min read

Estate Documents

Put your wishes in writing

Step 12 handled your accounts. This step handles everything else — who gets your other assets, who raises your kids, and who can act for you if you're alive but unable to.

Your goal A signed will, guardianship, and powers of attorney, within 14 days.

What & why

Without these, the state decides.

Without a will, state law decides who inherits, through slow, public probate. Without a guardianship designation, a judge decides who raises your children. Without powers of attorney, even your spouse may not be able to pay your bills or talk to your doctor if you're incapacitated.

~$130

Typical cost of a complete document package from a reputable online service. It sits here, after the emergency fund, so the cost never competes with your safety net.

Document 1

Will

Who gets what, and who carries it out (your executor).

Document 2

Guardianship

Who raises your minor children.

Document 3

Medical POA

Who makes medical decisions for you, plus your end-of-life wishes.

Document 4

Financial POA

Who manages your money if you can't. "Durable" means it stays in effect.

Recommended setup

Online service or attorney

Online is enough for most people

Validity comes from proper signing, witnessing, and notarizing — not from who drafted it.

Simple situation

Online service · $100–300

Trust & Will, Nolo, or LegalZoom

Complex situation

Estate attorney · $1,000–3,000+

Blended family, business, trust, large assets

Witnesses

2 adults

Who aren't beneficiaries

Notarization

Required for POAs

Free at most banks

Do it

Five moves in two weeks

Choose your method.

Online service or estate attorney, using the guide above. You can always upgrade later.

Draft your will and name an executor.

If you have minor children, name a guardian in the will or a separate document.

Complete medical and financial powers of attorney.

Pick whoever you trust most for each role, and tell them they've been named.

Sign, witness, and notarize.

Set the signing date before you start drafting. Unsigned documents are legally worthless.

Store the originals and tell people where they are.

A fireproof safe or with your attorney. Make sure your executor knows.

You're done when

Phase 1 is complete

Your will (with an executor and, if needed, a guardian) and both powers of attorney are signed, witnessed, and notarized.

The originals are stored safely, the people you named know where they are, and a reminder is set to review every 3–5 years or after a major life event.

Questions

Common questions & mistakes

I'm young with a modest net worth — do I really need a will?

If you have kids or a partner who depends on you, yes. Even with few assets, a will names guardians and an executor.

Is an online service as legally valid as an attorney?

Yes, if it's signed, witnessed, and notarized properly. An attorney's advantage is spotting issues in complex situations.

Do I need a trust?

Most people at this stage don't. A trust helps with significant assets, property in several states, or protecting money for minor children long-term.

Does marriage give my spouse these rights automatically?

Often not. Without signed powers of attorney, a spouse may need court approval to act for you.

What are the common mistakes?

Drafting but never signing, naming a minor directly in the will, and telling no one where the originals are.

Blueprint Wealth Education is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial, tax, or legal advice. See our full Disclaimer for details.