Planning ahead

Estate planning should feel clear, steady, and easier to begin.

One of the most practical reasons families choose LegalShield is estate planning support that starts with core documents and expands into stronger long-term preparation when needed. This page is built to make those options easier to understand.

Living will support included in family plan tiers Annual reviews available on higher-level plans Revocable trust option for deeper planning needs
Core documents Start with planning basics that many households put off for too long.
Annual review Keep important documents aligned as life changes over time.
Trust planning Expand beyond the basics when your household needs more structure.
Practical value Planning benefits can offset a large part of membership cost on their own.
What is included

Start with the planning documents most families need first.

Estate planning often becomes easier once people understand the value of the first documents, the update path, and when it makes sense to move into trust planning.

Living Will Package

Included across family plan tiers for the member and spouse or domestic partner, giving households an immediate planning benefit they can actually use.

Annual Reviews and Updates

Preferred and Premium family plans offer stronger support for keeping documents current as family and financial situations change.

Revocable Trust Option

Premium-level planning can expand into a professionally drafted revocable trust for households that need a more comprehensive estate strategy.

Estate Planning & Protection

Protect and put your wishes in writing for you and your family's comfort.

Whether you are just starting out or building a legacy, getting your will and healthcare directives in place now helps protect the people you love and the choices that matter most.

Estate planning is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your future and your family. With LegalShield Estate Planning Benefit Plans, you gain access to legal guidance, essential documents, and ongoing support through one convenient, affordable membership. That means the comfort of knowing a LegalShield estate planning attorney is preparing the important documents you need.

Estate planning is not just for the wealthy or the elderly. It is a practical step for anyone who wants a say in what happens to their assets, responsibilities, and loved ones. Without an estate plan, many of those decisions are left to the courts and state law, which may not reflect your values or intentions.

Video overview

Watch the short LegalShield Estate Planning video.

Use these resources to review the broader estate-planning guide and understand why professionally prepared documents matter.

Why people delay

Estate planning gets postponed when it feels complicated, expensive, or emotionally heavy.

Many households know they need core planning documents, but still put them off because traditional legal services feel expensive and the process seems harder than it should be. That delay can leave families unprepared when decisions need to be made quickly.

A simpler starting point helps people take action earlier, protect loved ones, and build confidence around future planning instead of waiting until circumstances force rushed decisions.

Value snapshot

Some planning benefits can offset the cost of membership by themselves.

Living will services Professionally prepared documents often cost far more through traditional channels than what many families expect.
Annual updates Ongoing review adds practical value for households whose plans need to stay current over time.
Trust savings potential Even the premium trust option can compare favorably against traditional attorney-drafted trust pricing.
Will & Living Will

Protect your legacy with both a Last Will and Testament and a Living Will Declaration.

You do not need to be old or rich, but you do need both.

In every one of the 50 states, probate court plays a role in overseeing how a person's estate is administered after death, including validating a will, addressing creditors, and supervising the distribution of property. A Last Will and Testament lets you state who should receive your personal property, but it generally does not prevent your estate from going through probate.

Many people also prepare a Living Will, often called a physician's directive, and a durable power of attorney for healthcare alongside their will so their medical wishes and decision-maker are clearly documented. While these documents do not avoid probate either, they help ensure your voice and wishes are respected by the court and by medical decision-makers if you cannot speak for yourself.

With a LegalShield Family Plan, this can be a valuable benefit for the member and for the member's spouse or domestic partner by helping ensure these essential documents are in place.

Quick note

Your Living Will can be prepared with your Last Will and Testament.

When you have your Last Will and Testament prepared, you can also have your Living Will, or physician's directive, completed at the same time by your LegalShield attorney so your estate wishes and healthcare wishes are both clearly documented in one coordinated plan.

One of the flagship benefits of LegalShield Basic, Preferred, and Premium memberships is will preparation for the member and for the member's spouse or domestic partner. With the Preferred and Premium memberships, you also receive annual reviews and updates. With the Premium membership, the revocable trust benefit is available for an additional $250 per person.

State tax note

Do not forget state estate and inheritance taxes.

Beyond probate, it is important to know that 18 states impose a separate estate tax and or inheritance tax depending on where you live and where property is located. These rules can affect what your loved ones receive and what filings are required.

A LegalShield provider lawyer can help you understand your state's requirements and plan accordingly.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW & PRINT THE 18 STATES THAT HAVE AN ADDITIONAL ESTATE & INHERITANCE TAX

Living Will importance

Professionally prepared healthcare documents matter regardless of age or wealth.

Having your Living Will drafted by a professional estate planning attorney is about control, clarity, and protection when life becomes unpredictable. These documents carry real legal, medical, and personal consequences if they are not established while you are living.

A Living Will allows you to clearly state your healthcare wishes if you are ever unable to speak for yourself. It can communicate your medical and life-support preferences, identify who can make healthcare decisions on your behalf, provide clear guidance to doctors and medical professionals, and reduce confusion and emotional strain for loved ones.

Why professional preparation matters

Generic forms are not the same as state-aware legal preparation.

Estate-planning laws differ from state to state, and even small errors or unclear language can cause delays or complications when documents are needed most. Through LegalShield, you avoid the risks often found with generic online forms or do-it-yourself templates.

  • Understand state-specific requirements
  • Use clear, legally enforceable language
  • Help ensure documents are recognized when needed

With a LegalShield membership, the member and spouse or domestic partner both receive separate Living Wills at no extra cost. The typical cost for a basic Living Will drafted by an estate planning attorney can be between $300 and $700 per person.

Why now matters

Estate planning is not about later. It is about now.

Unexpected illness or injury can happen at any age. Estate planning is about being prepared, not predicting the future.

  • Knowing someone you trust can act on your behalf
  • Avoiding unnecessary court involvement during incapacity
  • Reducing stress and uncertainty for family members

Preparedness, not age or wealth, is what provides protection.

Take control

Take control of tomorrow by considering a start today.

No matter your age or stage of life, having your estate-planning documents professionally prepared helps ensure your wishes are clearly expressed, legally valid, and respected when they are needed. Because when life changes unexpectedly, your voice should still be heard.

In summary, estate planning should happen sooner rather than later because life is unpredictable. Putting a plan in place early helps protect your loved ones, reduce legal complications, and provide clarity and peace of mind long before anything urgent happens.

CLICK AND SEE WHY IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT THAT YOUR COLLEGE STUDENTS HAVE A SEPARATE POA (POWER OF ATTORNEY)

How to choose

The right planning level usually depends on whether you need a strong starting point, ongoing updates, or a deeper trust strategy.

Start with the basics

Use family coverage when the main goal is finally getting core planning documents in place.

Choose ongoing support

Move to higher-level plans if you want annual reviews and a stronger long-term planning rhythm.

Explore trust planning

Consider the premium path when your household needs a more complete estate-planning structure.

Talk it through

If you are unsure where to start, begin with one planning conversation.

A short call can help you understand living will coverage, document updates, and whether a revocable trust option makes sense for your household.

Talk with a real person

Schedule a conversation or send a quick note.

Skip Post is the current point of contact for Liberty and Justice. If you want help choosing a plan, the fastest path is a short call or email.

Skip Post Certified LegalShield, IDShield, Small Business, and SBSG Associate
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