Every October, National Estate Planning Awareness Week is a reminder that estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy or the elderly — it’s for anyone who wants a say in what happens if something happens to them. Here are five documents worth having, regardless of your age or asset level.

**1. A will.** The foundation. Even a simple will directing who inherits your property and naming a personal representative is far better than leaving those decisions to your state’s default intestacy rules.

**2. A durable power of attorney.** Names someone to make financial decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to — paying bills, managing accounts, handling property — without requiring a court proceeding to appoint a guardian.

**3. A healthcare power of attorney.** Names someone to make medical decisions for you if you can’t communicate your own wishes. Without one, family members may have to go to court to get that authority, often during an already stressful medical crisis.

**4. A living will or advance directive.** States your wishes about life-sustaining treatment in specific circumstances, taking some of the burden off loved ones who would otherwise have to guess — or disagree — about what you’d want.

**5. A beneficiary and asset review.** Not a single document, but a habit: checking that beneficiary designations on retirement accounts, life insurance, and payable-on-death accounts actually match your current wishes. These designations override what your will says, so an outdated beneficiary form can undo careful planning elsewhere.

**Who needs this?** If you’re an adult with any assets, any dependents, or any opinion about who should make decisions for you in an emergency — you do. Estate planning awareness week isn’t really about awareness of a concept; it’s a nudge to actually get the paperwork done, especially if it’s been on your list for longer than you’d like to admit.

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Attorney Advertising. This post is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. No representation is made that the quality of legal services performed is greater than that of other lawyers. Laws vary by state and change over time — consult an attorney about your specific situation before acting on anything here.