Every day is a journey and the unexpected (both wonderful and tragic) can happen in a moment.

It’s not a comfortable conversation to have concerning what our last wishes might be, how and where  we may want our finances and personal objects dispersed, and who will make medical and financial decisions for us if we are unable.

But if you have the correct documents in place, it is so much easier for your loved ones, who are already traumatized, to know what your wishes are and most importantly, where these documents are kept.

I am aware that most people don’t think it’s necessary to have a will unless they have a significant other or children to worry about.  But my recommendation is that every young adult (heading off to college or travel) should have a will, a signed HIPAA form, a power of attorney, a health care declaration and a mental health declaration.

If your 18-year-old is in an accident and cannot speak for himself, unless you have these documents signed and in place, you may not be able to ask about their condition or have a say in their care.  These decisions could be life changing.

If, like many of us, we have these documents and have not looked at them in years, please take them out, dust them off and update them with your current wishes and situation.  Take the time to speak with an attorney and set up what you need to make sure that your choices and wishes will be honored.

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Tori Goodrich is a life, business and professional; What Should I Do Now coach. She is also the co-owner of Gener8tional Connections helping companies work through the great divide. Contact Tori by telephone at 610.613.2127, on the web at www.victoriagoodrich.com, or via email at tgoodrich@vista.today.