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ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - Estate planning is not just for the wealthy. From property and finances to personal belongings, having a plan in place can make a difference for loved ones.

Kent Patrick with Bush Wealth Management said estate planning is necessary for anyone who has family members, a home, a car, or bank accounts.

“If you’re a legal adult, honestly, you need an estate plan,” Patrick said.

There are three essential documents from the foundation of estate planning.

The last will and testament tells assets what to do upon death. An advanced healthcare directive lays out healthcare wishes. A durable financial power of attorney allows someone to make financial decisions on behalf of another person while they are still alive.

“That allows someone to make financial decisions on your behalf while you’re still alive,” Patrick said.

Patrick said the first step is laying out all accounts and making sure beneficiaries are tied to retirement accounts or life insurance contracts.

“Those documents, the beneficiary document for those accounts, actually override a last will and testament,” Patrick said. “So it’s very important that you make sure those are designated to go to who you want them to go to.”

He recommended organizing accounts, putting wishes on paper, and reaching out to an estate planning attorney or financial professional.

Without a plan, families can face confusion, delays and added stress during a difficult time.

“It has the largest effect on the surviving family members. It can create confusion. It can ask or raise questions that you’ll possibly never get answers to,” Patrick said.

He said the process of assets going to loved ones or the next generation can be held up. Without an estate plan, wishes may not be carried out and decisions would be made by the court.

Estate planning is not just about what happens after death. It also protects people while they are alive.

Patrick said estate planning should happen when someone turns 18 years old.

“For those of you out there who maybe have children that are turning 18, 19, 20, it’s very important that you try to get them an estate plan in place,” Patrick said.

He said a medical emergency could prevent parents from making healthcare decisions for an adult child without an advanced healthcare directive.

“God forbid they have a medical emergency and you need to talk to a doctor or a physician at that local hospital. Without an advanced health care directive, they might not allow you to make health care decisions for your adult child,” Patrick said.

Patrick said people should not put estate planning on the back burner.

“Make it a priority,” Patrick said. “If you have family members that you love, the best thing you can do is make it a simple process when your time comes to no longer be here.”

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