Estate Planning Checklist for Parents: A Guide for Southern Ocean County Families

Hi neighbors! It’s Eldonie from Mason Firm — your local community lawyer right here in Southern Ocean County. As many of you know, I’m passionate about helping families protect what matters most: your children, your peace of mind, and your legacy.

Every week I’ll be sharing articles here on Patch to help parents, grandparents, and caregivers understand the legal tools that keep families safe. Today, we’re diving into one of the most important topics for parents of minor children:

Estate planning.

Now, I know — even the phrase sounds heavy. But estate planning isn’t just something “older people” or “wealthy families” do. It’s simply about making sure your children are protected if the unexpected ever happens.

Here in Southern Ocean County, we look out for each other. And part of looking out for your family is making sure their future is secure no matter what life brings.

So let’s walk through the Estate Planning Checklist for Parents — written with care for the families who call this beautiful community home.

1. Choose Long-Term Guardians for Your Children

This is the heart of your estate plan. If something happened to you, who would raise your children?
Naming guardians makes sure a judge doesn’t have to decide for you.

Look for someone who:

• Shares your values
• Offers stability and love
• Has the capacity to care for your children

It’s one of the toughest decisions — but also the most important gift you can leave your kids.

2. Choose Temporary (Short-Term) Guardians

This is the step most parents overlook. If you were in an accident or delayed getting home, the police must place your children in state care until a court sorts things out.

Temporary guardians step in immediately so your children never spend a moment with strangers.

3. Create a Will

Your will outlines:

• Who cares for your children
• Who manages their inheritance
• How your assets will be handled

Without a will, the state decides all of this — and it may not reflect your wishes.

4. Set Up a Trust for Your Children

Kids cannot inherit money directly. Without a trust:

• Assets could be frozen
• A judge may appoint someone you didn’t choose
• Your child might receive everything at age 18

A trust allows you to stagger distributions, protect funds, and ensure your child’s needs are met responsibly.

5. Select a Reliable Trustee

This person manages the money for your children. Often, your guardian and trustee are not the same person — and that’s perfectly okay.

Look for someone responsible, organized, and financially savvy.

6. Establish a Financial Power of Attorney

If you’re ever unable to handle your finances, this document lets someone you trust step in to:

• Pay bills
• Access accounts
• Manage business affairs
• Ensure your children’s needs are met

Without this, your loved ones must go through the courts during an already stressful time.

7. Complete Your Health Care Documents

Every parent should have:

• A Health Care Proxy
• A Living Will
• HIPAA Authorizations

These ensure your family can speak for you in a medical emergency.

8. Update Your Beneficiary Designations

Your retirement accounts and life insurance follow the beneficiary forms — not your will.

For parents, it’s important to:

• Avoid naming minor children directly
• Instead name your trust, or your spouse with a trust as backup

This prevents assets from going through court.

9. Organize Important Documents

Make it easy for your family to find:

• Estate planning documents
• Life insurance information
• Account details
• Passwords
• Emergency contacts
• Your HeartVault messages (if applicable)

Clear access prevents chaos during a crisis.

10. Leave Legacy Letters or Messages for Your Kids

This is one of my favorite parts of estate planning because it’s so personal.

Parents often leave:

• Letters for future milestones
• Videos of encouragement
• Stories, traditions, or blessings
• Instructions or values to guide their children

These become priceless keepsakes for your family.

11. Review Your Plan Every Few Years

Life changes — and your estate plan should, too. Update it when:

• You have another child
• You move
• Guardianship choices change
• Your finances shift
• You start a business

A living plan is a protective plan.

Final Thoughts From Your Local Community Lawyer

Estate planning is not about fear — it’s about love, clarity, and protecting your family. Here in Southern Ocean County, we all want our children to grow up safe, supported, and secure.

As your neighbor and local attorney, I’m here to help you understand the process, avoid the pitfalls, and create a plan that gives your family true peace of mind.

If you ever have questions, want to learn more, or need help creating your plan, feel free to reach out.
We’re in this community together — and your family’s security matters.

— Eldonie S. Mason, Esq., Barnegat Resident & Local Attorney Helping Families Protect What Matters Most

Attorney Advertising. For Educational Purposes Only. Not Legal Advice.