Question:   I have been telling my husband for the past five years that we need to get our estate plan in order. I am afraid that something may happen to us and we may leave our children with a real mess. Is there anything I can do? Can I prepare my Will without my husband?

Yes, you can prepare a Will without your husband, but I highly discourage that approach because you could pass away before your husband, and in that event, everything could pass outside of your Will.

Be encouraged! Your situation is not unique. It is surprising how often we encounter husbands who seem to be unaware of their own mortality and who need to be gently, persistently and lovingly reminded of it by their wives or their children. Husbands are seven times more likely to pass away before their wives, but often find it extremely difficult to confront their mortality and plan for the inevitable.

Here are a few ideas that other wives have tried successfully.  These are stewardship issues. 

• Speak with your husband regularly about the consequences that could occur if you do not do proper estate planning. Some of these consequences are: