Nobody likes to think about the consequences of their own death. It is especially hard when you have other loved ones that may be left behind. That is why such a small percentage of Americans have wills or have made other estate planning provisions.

Do not let yourself become one of the people whose lives are turned upside down because they have not made the appropriate arrangements.

Remember, if you do not make the necessary plans, state statutes will dictate the division of your property and potentially even the guardianship of your children. Rarely do these schemes match what the individuals would have selected.