Estate Planning 101: Wills, Trusts, and What Happens If You Do Not Plan
This is a recording of a live Good Grief community workshop. Members get access to expert-led sessions where they can ask questions, connect with others, and find support.
Estate Planning 101: A clear guide to protecting your family.
Estate planning can feel overwhelming especially if you are navigating caregiving, planning ahead for your family, or processing a loss.
In this Estate Planning 101 workshop, attorney Adrian Resendez breaks down the basics in clear, plain language. This session covers what estate planning actually includes, the difference between wills and trusts, what happens if you die without a will, and simple steps that can make things easier for your loved ones.
What you'll learn in this video
- What estate planning actually includes
- Documents that matter during life (powers of attorney, medical directives)
- Wills vs. trusts and when each might make sense
- What happens if you die without a will
- How probate works and why many families try to avoid it
- Practical tools that may help reduce stress for loved ones, including beneficiary designations and transfer on death deeds (available in some states)
- Why digital access and legacy planning matter
This session is designed for educational purposes and is not legal advice. Estate planning laws vary by state, so consult a qualified attorney about your specific situation.
The complete workshop deck, notes, and resources for this session are available in the Good Grief Community Platform.
Access the full recapWorkshop led by
Adrian Resendez
Brough and Resendez Law Firm Partner