Most families don’t think about probate until it’s too late. They assume things will “just work out” when the time comes. But I’ve seen firsthand how waiting can lead to heartache, conflict, and long delays in court. As a North Carolina estate planning attorney, I meet families every week who tell me the same thing: “We wish we had done this sooner.”

Ah, spring break—the time of year when people pack their bags, head to the beach, and embrace a little fun in the sun. Let’s say you don’t plan. You forget to book a hotel. Your flight lands at an airport three hours from the beach. You didn’t check the weather and packed only swimsuits—only to arrive during a cold front. Suddenly, your “relaxing getaway” turns into a stressful disaster.Well, the same thing happens when people don’t plan for their future with estate planning. You may not feel the consequences right away, but one unexpected event can turn life into absolute chaos.