Perspectives
Estate Planning, Simplified: How LegalShield and WFJ Help You Protect What Matters Most
Estate planning isn’t just for the rich or the retired, it’s for anyone who wants peace of mind. Whether you’re protecting your family, planning for medical emergencies, or organizing how your assets will be handled, having the right legal documents in place matters.
Through LegalShield, members have access to WFJ’s experienced attorneys who can help you take meaningful, affordable steps toward a complete estate plan-without the intimidation or high upfront costs that often stop people from getting started.
Here’s how LegalShield support the most common estate planning needs:
Wills & Codicils: Put Your Wishes in Writing
A will outlines how your assets are distributed and who will care for minor children. A codicil allows you to update your will as life changes-marriage, divorce, new children, or major financial shifts.
LegalShield Benefit:
Members can have a basic will prepared or updated by a qualified attorney as part of their membership. This gives you a legally sound foundation and the confidence that your wishes are clearly documented.
Living Wills/Physician’s Directives: Medical Decisions, Your Way
A living will (also called a physician’s directive) spells out your healthcare preferences if you’re unable to communicate them yourself. This helps loved ones and medical providers honor your wishes during critical moments.
LegalShield Benefit:
WFJ attorneys help members prepare advance healthcare directives so decisions aren’t left to guesswork or conflict during emotional situations.
Trusts: Planning Beyond a Basic Will
Trusts can offer added control, privacy, and efficiency-especially for families with minor children, blended families, or larger or more complex estates. Trusts can also help avoid probate and provide structured asset management.
LegalShield Benefit:
While trusts are more complex than standard wills, LegalShield members receive consultations and discounted legal services for trust planning. This gives members access to professional guidance before committing to a larger estate planning structure.
Power of Attorney: Someone You Trust When You Need It
A power of attorney allows you to name someone to make financial or legal decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so. This is a key document for illness, injury, or long-term planning.
LegalShield Benefit:
Members can work with an attorney to draft powers of attorney that fit their specific needs-helping avoid court involvement or family disputes during stressful times.
Probate: Understanding the Process Before it Happens
Probate is the legal process of settling an estate after someone passes away. It can be time-consuming and emotionally draining for families-especially if planning wasn’t done in advance.
LegalShield Benefit
LegalShield provides attorney access and consultaitons to help members understand probate, their role as an executor or beneficiary, and options for minimizing probate through proper planning. Members also receive discounted rates if probate representation becomes necessary.
Why LegalShield and WFJ Make Estate Planning Easier
Many people delay estate planning because they assume it’s expensive, complicated, or only needed “later.” LegalShield and WFJ remove those barriers by offering:;
- Affordable access to qualified attorneys
- Flat-fee membership instead of large upfront legal bills
- Guidance before problems arise
- Ongoing legal support as life changes
Estate planning isn’t about expecting the worst-it’s about taking care of the people you love and reducing stress for them down the road. LegalShield gives you a practical way to get started, ask questions, and build a plan that grows with you.