Examples:

• • John and Mary name her sister Kate as guardian for baby Liam.
  • The Garcias specify their assets will be held in trust until kids reach 25.
  • Priya selects her brother Raj to execute her estate.
  • The Johnsons keep a copy of the will in a fireproof home safe.
  • Matt and Jessica update beneficiaries after having twins.

How to Proceed:

• • Decide on guardians and discuss with them first to confirm.
  • Inventory major assets and sentimental property for distribution.
  • Select an executor who is trustworthy and understands your wishes.
  • Place a master copy somewhere secure like a safe deposit box.
  • Set calendar reminders to reevaluate choices every few years.

FAQs:

• • What if I don’t have many assets? A simple will is still vital for assigning guardianship.
  • Does a will have to be notarized? Requirements vary by state but witnesses or notarization help validity.
  • Can I write my own will? Yes but having an attorney review is wise, especially with children involved.
  • Where should copies of the will go? The executor and any guardians should have access.
  • What happens if I die without a will? State intestacy laws determine custody and asset distribution.

Examples:

• • Amy grants her husband Steve medical power of attorney.
  • Paul designates his sister Monica to oversee finances if needed.
  • Grandpa Ted would be guardian of the estate of little Tommy’s inheritance.
  • The Patel’s sign releases so their lawyers can confer with doctors.
  • Karen sits down with her father Dan to go over expectations as power of attorney.

How to Proceed:

• • Choose agents who will respect your medical treatment preferences.
  • Select someone financially savvy to handle money matters if incapacitated.
  • Consider appointing a professional guardian of the estate for complex assets.
  • Add HIPAA waivers to your power of attorney documents.
  • Explain to your agents how you’d want decisions made on your behalf.

FAQs:

• • What’s the difference between a living will and medical power of attorney? A living will specifies treatment preferences while power of attorney lets an agent decide.
  • When do power of attorneys take effect? Usually upon incapacitation but some are effective immediately.
  • Can I change my mind about appointed agents? Yes, powers of attorney can be revoked or amended if you’re mentally competent.
  • How much power does a financial attorney-in-fact have? It depends on if the power of attorney is limited or general.
  • What if my state doesn’t have a specific health care power of attorney? You can likely use a general durable power of attorney form instead.

Examples:

• • Fatima files paperwork adding baby Yusef to her life insurance.
  • The Lee family trust is revised after daughter Mei is born.
  • Grandma Ethel starts a 529 plan for new grandchild Zoe.
  • Jordan’s parents open a POD savings account in his name.
  • Hospital paperwork helps expedite Lucas receiving a Social Security card.

How to Proceed:

• • Contact HR to adjust beneficiaries on employer-sponsored plans.
  • Meet with an estate attorney to modify documents for new family additions.
  • Research 529 plan options and tax benefits in your state.
  • Evaluate your budget to determine savings you can earmark for your child.
  • Collect required documents like birth certificates to get an SSN.

FAQs:

• • What if I forget to change beneficiaries after my baby is born? The original designations will remain in effect so update ASAP.
  • Are 529 plans only for college? No, funds can also be used for K-12 tuition, apprenticeships and student loans.
  • What does POD mean on an account? Payable-on-death means the assets transfer to a named beneficiary when you die.
  • Do I have to wait for a Social Security card to arrive before listing my child? No, you can provide the number as soon as it’s issued.
  • Is it better to name a child directly or have a trust? A trust offers more control and asset protection until the child is an adult.

Examples:

• • Aunt Sylvia would make health decisions for baby Noah if his parents were unavailable.
  • Heather submits enrollment forms to her insurer within 30 days of Violet’s arrival.
  • Josh and Kelsey discover their plan covers breast pumps and lactation support.
  • Gina opens an HSA to set aside money for Max’s future medical needs.
  • Dr. Pham’s office follows little Evie’s progress at regular intervals.

How to Proceed:

• • Name a health care proxy in case you and your co-parent are ever incapacitated simultaneously.
  • Contact insurers as soon as possible postpartum to enroll your newborn.
  • Read policy details closely to understand deductibles, copays and coinsurance.
  • Crunch numbers to determine if funding an HSA makes sense for anticipated expenses.
  • Put recommended appointments on a joint calendar you share with caregivers.

FAQs:

• • Do I need a separate health care proxy document for my child? Yes, as your power of attorney only applies to you.
  • How long do I have to add my baby to my health plan? Most insurers require notification within 30-60 days.
  • What happens if I miss open enrollment after having a baby? The birth qualifies you for a special enrollment period exception.
  • Can I use HSA funds for non-medical expenses? Yes but you’ll owe income tax plus a 20% penalty on those withdrawals.
  • Are preemies on a different well-child visit schedule? Yes, they follow an adjusted timeline based on due date not birth date.

• • • 1. What is the primary purpose of naming a guardian in your will? A) Ensure your child is financially provided for B) Designate who will raise your child if you pass away C) Avoid family disputes about money and property D) Eliminate the need for court intervention
    • 2. How often should you update your will after having a child? A) Never, your first version will suffice B) Once a decade C) Whenever your assets or family dynamics change substantially D) Only if you move to a new state
    • 3. What’s one important characteristic to look for in an executor? A) Financial skills to grow your wealth B) Willingness to follow your exact instructions C) Ability to mediate sibling rivalries D) Plenty of free time to wrap up your affairs quickly
    • 4. When naming a power of attorney, you should prioritize: A) Oldest family members to respect hierarchy B) Those located closest to you geographically C) Friends over relatives to keep emotions at bay D) Individuals who understand your values and can make tough choices
    • 5. True or False: A health care proxy is the same as a living will. A) True B) False
    • 6. How quickly should you add your newborn to your health insurance? A) Within the first week B) By baby’s 1 month checkup C) Whenever you receive their Social Security card D) During the next open enrollment period
    • 7. Which of the following is a common reason to establish a trust? A) Avoid probate and keep affairs private B) Protect assets from your child’s future creditors C) Minimize estate taxes with strategic transfers D) All of the above
    • 8. Which legal document helps preserve your child’s eligibility for government benefits? A) Special needs trust B) UTMA account C) 529 plan D) Crummey trust
    • 9. What’s a key benefit of opening a 529 plan for your child? A) Guarantees admission to their college of choice B) Offers tax-free growth and withdrawals for education costs C) Provides high returns with no investment risk D) Automatically qualifies them for scholarships
    • 10. True or False: Stepchildren have the same inheritance rights as biological children. A) True B) False
  • Answers:
    • • • 1: B) Designate who will raise your child if you pass away
        • 2: C) Whenever your assets or family dynamics change substantially
        • 3: B) Willingness to follow your exact instructions
        • 4: D) Individuals who understand your values and can make tough choices
        • 5: B) False
        • 6: A) Within the first week
        • 7: D) All of the above
        • 8: A) Special needs trust
        • 9: B) Offers tax-free growth and withdrawals for education costs
        • 10: B) False