The chance

that the state's mandate matches what you would do is slim. For example,

state law usually does not recognize the different needs of your children

nor their stage in life.

Most families

have children with unequal needs, capabilities and requirements for care

based on their age, health, education and growth. This is particularly

true in blended families. If you have minor or disabled children, do you

really want the probate judge appointing their guardian?

Chances are

you have definite ideas about who you would like to raise your children

if you can't do it. But that won't happen unless you make your choice

known in a legally binding document.

However, estate

planning encompasses much more than a will. You should also consider a

durable financial power of attorney and medical power of attorney. In

the event that you become incapacitated, either mentally or physically,

these documents authorize someone you trust, such as your spouse or adult

child, to act on your behalf.

You may also

want to consider a living will, a document that says you want the right

to die a natural death free of all costly, extraordinary efforts to maintain

your life when it can only be sustained by artificial means. It makes

such decisions easier on the doctor, the hospital and your family. Used

in conjunction with a medical power of attorney, this tool can spare your

family a painful, drawn-out and costly process.

It may all

sound overwhelming at first, but there are many professionals trained

and qualified to help you make your estate planning effective. Check with

your state or local bar association for a local Certified Estate Planning

attorney, or try the state CPA association.

The National

Association of Estate Planners and Councils (NAEPC) offers a list of members

who have earned the special designation AEP (Accredited Estate Planner).

Estate planning

is appropriate at any stage of life if you don't prepare for the inevitable,

you may create needless heartache and loss for those left behind.

Your estate

plan should allow you to give what you want to whom you want to receive

it, the way you want them to receive it and when you want them to receive

it. Your estate plan should save every tax dollar, professional fee and

court cost that is legally possible to save. Use good estate planners

to ensure things work the way you want.

For more information

on the National Association of Estate Planners and Councils, or to find

an Accredited Estate Planner (AEP) near you, visit www.naepc.org or call

NAEPC toll-free at (866) 226-2224 for suggestions.

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