I always thought I had all my legal ducks in a row—until I hit a snag and realized there were a few critical documents I had completely overlooked. The first was a power of attorney—a document that allows someone to make decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. Without it, my family would’ve had to go through an expensive and time-consuming court process to gain control over my financial and healthcare decisions. Another document I overlooked was a living will. It outlines your preferences regarding medical treatment in the event that you can’t communicate them yourself. And let’s not forget a trust—a tool that can help you avoid probate and make sure your assets go to your loved ones directly, without a bunch of red tape. The lesson? Don’t wait until it’s too late to get these documents in place. They aren’t just for the wealthy—they’re for anyone who wants to protect their family and make sure their wishes are respected when it matters most.