While it might not be the easiest topic to discuss with your family or loved ones, estate planning is essential to ensure that your wishes are honored when you have passed away or are incapacitated with a medical ailment.

Naturally, most people do not want to talk about things that concern their death or a catastrophic injury, but planning for these events can save your family and loved ones a lot of hardship. By drafting documents that name financial and health care powers of attorney, you are appointing a trusted individual to make decisions for you if you are unable. Anyone over the age of 18 is encouraged to have these two essential pieces of estate planning in place.

If these designations are not in place, you are essentially leaving these important decisions up to a court system ran by people who do not know you or your family.

If you have children who are still minors, that is all the more reason to focus on estate planning. You will want to name individuals to be the guardians of those children if you pass away. Naming someone to oversee your assets, health or children are not decisions to be taken lightly. It is always smart to talk in depth with individuals you think might be appropriate to take on those responsibilities.

Living wills and trusts are necessary when specifying how you want your assets divvied up upon death. It is important to keep assets out of probate court so they are not ravaged by taxes and fees.

Estate planning does not have to be an arduous process. By identifying all of your assets and interests and working with an experienced professional, the process can be straightforward and not unduly time consuming.

Green Bay Press Gazette "Estate planning protects family," Carissa Giebel, Nov. 28, 2011