Let’s be honest—most parents are juggling a thousand things at once. Between school drop-offs, doctor’s appointments, work, and figuring out what’s for dinner, estate planning probably isn’t at the top of your to-do list. But here’s the truth: every parent needs a will, regardless of age, income, or health status.
If you have children who depend on you, having a will isn’t just smart—it’s essential. And thanks to platforms like Gentreo, creating one has never been easier or more affordable.
This blog explains why young, healthy parents need to prioritize estate planning and how taking just a little time now can save your family from confusion, stress, and even heartbreak down the road.
The Most Important Reason to Have a Will as a Parent: Your Children
You’d do anything to protect your kids—but have you protected them legally?
A will lets you do something critical: name a guardian for your minor children. If something were to happen to you and your child’s other parent, and there’s no will in place, a court would decide who takes care of your kids. That decision might not reflect your wishes—and could lead to custody disputes or even temporary foster care.
By creating a will with Gentreo, www.gentreo.com, you take control and make your intentions clear.
In your will, you can:
- Name a legal guardian for your children
- Choose backup guardians in case your first choice is unable to serve
- Leave instructions for how you want your children to be raised (education, religion, etc.)
- Designate someone to manage any inheritance on your child’s behalf
“But I’m Young and Healthy—Why Now?”
You might think estate planning is something to worry about when you’re older or wealthier. But life is unpredictable. Illness, accidents, and emergencies don’t wait until the timing is convenient. The best time to make a will is when you’re well enough to make thoughtful decisions—not when you’re in crisis.
And it’s not just about the unthinkable. A will also helps:
- Avoid family arguments
- Prevent the state from making decisions for you
- Make your wishes clear so your loved ones aren’t left guessing
With Gentreo, www.gentreo.com, it takes less than 20 minutes to create your will—and you can update it any time as your life evolves.
What Happens If You Don’t Have a Will?
If you die without a will, you’re considered to have died “intestate.” That means your state’s laws determine:
- Who gets your property
- Who will care for your children
- Who will manage your estate
And here’s the kicker: the court doesn’t necessarily choose who you would have chosen. Even if your family knows what you would have wanted, if it’s not in writing, it might not matter.
By creating a will now, you eliminate uncertainty and protect your children’s future.
You Don’t Need to Be Rich to Have an Estate Plan
A lot of parents assume estate planning is only for the wealthy. Not true.
If you have:
- A bank account
- A car
- A home or rent an apartment
- Life insurance
- A retirement account
- Children
…you already have an estate that needs planning.
A will ensures your assets go where you want them to—not just who your state law defaults to. And with Gentreo, you can create a will and store it safely in the Gentreo Digital Vault, so your loved ones can access it when needed.
Life Changes? Update Your Plan.
Another myth: that a will is a one-and-done task. In reality, your will should evolve with your life.
You should update your estate plan when:
- You get married or divorced
- You have another child
- Your children become legal adults
- You move to a new state
- You change your mind about guardians or beneficiaries
Gentreo makes it easy to log in, make changes, print out your new documents and get them signed (and notarized if needed) and update your plan as your family grows and your needs shift.
Bonus: More Than Just a Will
While a will is pretty-much a must-have for every parent, it’s only one part of an effective estate plan.
With Gentreo, you can also create:
- A Health Care Proxy – So someone you trust can make medical decisions if you can’t.
- A Power of Attorney – To designate someone to handle your finances in an emergency. (This is a very powerful document, so make sure to learn more about it here, https://www.gentreo.com/power-of-attorney)
- A Pet Power of Attorney or Pet Trust – So your furry family members are protected, too.
- A Living Trust – So your family members can avoid probate.
- A Digital Vault – To store, organize, and securely share all your important documents and instructions.
When these documents live in your Gentreo Digital Vault, https://www.gentreo.com/family-digital-vault, you’re not only organized—you’re prepared.
Real Talk: What Peace of Mind Feels Like
Imagine this scenario:
You’re going away for a long weekend and leaving the kids with your sister. You’ve left snacks, schedules, and favorite movies—but have you left legal instructions?
With your Gentreo will and other documents in place, you don’t have to worry. If something happens, your family knows who steps in, who gets what, and what matters most to you. That’s real peace of mind.
Ready to Get Started?
Creating a will doesn’t need to be overwhelming, expensive, or time-consuming. With Gentreo, you can:
- Answer simple questions
- Create your will and other documents in minutes
- Follow the directions to execute your will and other documents (sign in front of witnesses and/or a notary)
- Store them in your Gentreo Digital Vault
- Share them with trusted family or guardians
- Update them anytime
You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to start.
👪 Estate Planning Checklist for Parents
Here’s a quick list to consider to help make sure you’re covering your bases:
✅ Create your Last Will and Testament
✅ Name a legal guardian for your children
✅ Designate a backup guardian
✅ Choose a trusted executor
✅ Set up a Health Care Proxy
✅ Create a Financial Power of Attorney
✅ Consider a Pet Power of Attorney or Pet Trust
✅ Store everything in your Gentreo Digital Vault
✅ Share access with your spouse or trusted contacts
✅ Set a reminder to review your plan every year—or after major life events
Final Thoughts
Being a parent means usually thinking five steps ahead—whether it’s packing extra snacks, researching schools, or planning college savings. Estate planning is simply another way of showing your love and protection, even when you’re not there.
You don’t need to be older or wealthier. You just need to be ready to take control.
Protect your children. Protect your future. Start your will today with Gentreo.
Don’t wait until it’s too late; start your estate planning journey with Gentreo today. By doing so, you’ll not only protect your loved ones but also gain the peace of mind that comes with knowing your legacy is secure. Click HERE to join now.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Consult with a qualified attorney or estate planning professional for personalized guidance.
