Maybe you’re prepared but the pandemic has reminded you to make sure that your plans are up-to-date. Or maybe you’ve never taken the time to write a will but the recent loss of loved ones has shocked you into realizing that none of us leaves this earth alive. Whatever the situation, the need to develop and implement an estate plan, whether you’re a millionaire or barely meeting your monthly needs, is an important part of being responsible and ensuring your wishes are respected, especially in these challenging times.

First, you need to work up the resolve to attend to your affairs. Have you confronted the excuses that have previously kept you from drafting your will? Do you think your family knows what you want? Do you fantasize that you’ll always be able to make your wishes clear? Do you think it’s too expensive to consult an attorney to help put your plans into an organized document? Do yourself and your family a favor and recognize that even a modest, basic will can alleviate tensions and conflict that may follow your death and allow your loved ones to focus on what’s meaningful as they grieve rather than fighting over what’s left. And if you can’t quite bring yourself to hire an attorney to help you sort out your strategy, consider one of the valuable online sources of low-cost will making.

So what does estate planning involve? For a full overview of everything from a basic will to advance care planning, you may want to clear the counter and click here to examine the American Bar Association’s (ABA) comprehensive estate planning guide. This ABA resource reviews wills, probate (the legal process for recognizing the will and distributing assets accordingly), assets outside of probate, guidance for executors and trustees, and considerations of whether or not you need a lawyer (very much depends upon your assets and situation). For some preliminary advice about what you need to consider, even if you don’t think of yourself as wealthy, check out NerdWallet’s Checklist of estate planning basics, including taking inventory of your tangible and intangible “stuff” and accounting for the needs of family and other loved ones. US News also has a good basic set of recommendations, including the task of ensuring your estate plans reflect your current reality (Are all the grandchildren considered? Have you accounted for that purchase of a new country home?).

Finally, once you have the plans in place, how much do you disclose to your loved ones? Certainly, anyone who will either function as an executor or in some other fiduciary role needs to know in advance. Otherwise, the advice very much depends upon your personal family/friend dynamics. The goal is to avoid resentments, minimize conflict, and ensure those who need to be in the know are aware of your documents and how to access them. To understand the considerations involved, click here.