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9 steps to preparing for parenthood

Month 9: Create or modify a will
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One of the most overlooked tasks for expectant couples is creating a will that lists who the child's guardian will be, says Lane.

What does that involve?

"Just a basic estate plan: will, power of attorney and health care proxy," Lane says.

She urges expectant parents to finish this paperwork prior to the child's birth.

"Because once the baby comes, (parents) get consumed with it," Lane says. "I've talked to clients that had to put off getting the estate plan done until the kids are in college ... at which point it's lost a lot of its value."


 

 

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