Any parent knows that their job is never really done. But, according to the law, once your baby turns 18, they are legally an adult. Without legal documentation, you may not have a say if a medical crisis hits or have access to help them manage their affairs while they’re away at school.

As you prepare for your new arrival, do not neglect one of the most important tasks to prepare for parenthood: creating an estate plan. A little planning now can make sure that, if the unthinkable were to happen, your tiny (or not so tiny) baby will be cared for.

Estate planning can be difficult, but when spouses disagree, the task can seem nearly impossible. However, having a plan—even if it’s one that involved compromise with your partner—is almost certainly preferable to having no plan at all.

Choosing the person who will care for your children if you are gone—the guardian—can be overwhelming. But, as a parent, the decision is crucial. Below, we help you through the process.

The do-it-yourself craze has reached beyond home improvement projects and is now an option for creating an estate plan. A DIY, fill-in-the-blanks option for a will, trust, or power of attorney can seem appealing, especially if you don’t know how to get started. But, is a do-it-yourself estate plan a good idea?