Everyone needs to protect themselves in case of the worst.  People need a Will to not only provide instructions for financial reasons but also to nominate a guardian for minor children.  Without a will the state court chooses who will be the guardian of the children without your input.  In addition, the state has certain ways that assets will be divided without your input.

You also need a durable power to attorney so that in case you are not incapacitated or not competent someone who you choose will be able to deal with financial and other decisions making on your behalf.  You should also have a health care proxy( and directive similar to a living will while not legal binding will provide the health care proxy guidance).  The health care proxy will allow a person to trust to make health care decisions for you.  You also need a release for a doctor and medical staff to speak to your spouse , children and others.

Other possibilities may be a homestead if you do not have one. a review of who benefits on your life insurance and retirement accounts, trust and other plans.  You want to examine tax consequences, nursing home issues and other factors on your on rather than have a relative litigate these issues in court – making it expensive and time consuming.