Credit cards, a car loan, a mortgage—whatever debt you’re carrying around, doesn’t just disappear when you die.

Getting divorced is a complicated process, even for couples without any minor children. This is because it requires dividing up a partnership, so each individual can go his or her own way. While there are many details to iron out in terms of dividing assets, one thing that often gets overlooked, is how your estate plan will be affected.

The Last Will and Testament plays an essential role in estate planning and without question everybody should have one.

For new parents, the need for legacy planning is especially obvious.

After a period of divorce or widowhood, you, your newly beloved and your respective children are about to become a ‘blended family.’ You and you partner will be creating a new family dynamic, which will hopefully be rewarding, but can be fraught with challenges, if little attention is paid to the consequences of the relationships.

No matter what line of work you are in, estate planning has facets that apply to everyone, and it comes down to documenting wishes and avoiding probate and unnecessary taxes. Too many people put it off, but, in general, the sooner you do it, the better.