You’ve Baby-Proofed the House - Let's Future-Proof the Family

By Attorney Edward Jesson

When you're building a family, planning for the future often focuses on saving for a home, childcare, or college. But one of the most important and often overlooked steps is creating a solid estate plan. In North Carolina, having a will and other key legal documents in place can give your family peace of mind and security, no matter what the future holds.

Why Young Families Need a Will
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A will isn't just for the wealthy or elderly — it's essential for anyone with dependents. A will lets you:

• Name a guardian for your minor children if something happens to both parents
• ​Decide who will manage your estate and handle your affairs
• Outline how your assets — including life insurance, vehicles, and savings — should be distributed

In North Carolina, a valid will must be written, signed by you, and witnessed by at least two people. Notarizing the will makes it easier to prove in court after you pass.  While handwritten (holographic) wills are allowed in some cases, they are harder to prove and easier to contest.  

Beyond the Will: Essentials for Families

A complete estate plan for young families should also include:

• Durable Power of Attorney: Allows a spouse or trusted person to manage finances if you become incapacitated.
• Healthcare Power of Attorney & Living Will: Ensure your medical decisions are handled the way you want if you're unable to speak for yourself.
• Beneficiary Designations: Make sure your life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and other financial assets list the correct people.
• You might also consider setting up a trust — even a simple one — to manage how and when your children receive any inheritance. A trust can help prevent a young child from receiving a large lump sum at age 18 and ensure the money is used for education, care, or other specific needs.

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Don’t Leave It to Chance

If you pass away without a will (called dying intestate), North Carolina law will decide who inherits your property — and who cares for your children. That may not align with your wishes.

Estate planning doesn’t have to be complicated. For most young families, starting with a basic will and power of attorney documents is a smart first step. As your family and finances grow, you can adjust your plan. Protecting your family’s future starts with a plan today—call the lawyers at Jesson & Rains, PLLC to see how we can help you plan for the future.