Estate planning doesn’t mean putting the fine print on a boring piece of paper to determine who gets Grandma’s dishes or the lakehouse. It’s all about laying the law down, literally, according to your wishes, and making sure your legacy is carried through exactly as you intend, without having your family members fight in court over who gets what. This is where estate planning attorney shine–not only as legal experts, but also as peacemakers.

Imagine this: Five siblings assume that each knows their parents’ wishes. A family fight could easily escalate into chaos without legal directives. An estate planning lawyer has the expertise and finesse to navigate through this emotional minefield. They can guide conversations, mediate arguments, and draft a plan that is in alignment with parents’ wishes.

You may think that a DIY will kit is sufficient for your simple life. However, as you go through life’s changes — marriage, children and property ownership, investment, etc. — the so-called “simple’ life can quickly become complicated, just like a plot-twist in your favorite detective novel. The addition of a new asset to your life is like a twist in the plot.

The estate planning attorneys are able to navigate situations that look simple, but really aren’t. You may not have considered the consequences of transferring a property from you to your children if they are in a different financial situation and have other responsibilities. An attorney doesn’t just draft documents, they also create peace of mind and serve as a bridge to help you navigate the waters of blended families or complicated personal ties.

They are well versed in the legal nuances and know how they apply to various situations. This is not just about shuffling paperwork; it’s also about engineering a future.

Let’s throw in a little reality: the digital era. Traditional estate planning overlooks digital assets such as cryptocurrency or social media accounts. You’re always one step ahead with an estate planning attorney who reminds you to think about these less tangible resources. They will ask questions such as “What happens to the contents or your online art collection when you are no longer around?”

Human element is also important. What kind of medical treatment would you want if your ability to make decisions was compromised? In this case, too, an attorney who specializes in estate plans can assist you to set up clear directives via living wills and powers-of-attorney. It’s one to tell your loved ones that you don’t want life-saving extreme measures, but it’s quite another to have this formally documented in a form that doctors and judges will follow.

The end of life discussion is not only uncomfortable but also taboo. But it’s important. Imagine that you are the director. It’s better to create the closing scenes than to let others do it.

Quite simply, an estate planner ensures the things that are important to you, like Grandma’s china, your stock account, or other possessions you cherish, will be passed on the way that you desire, not according to the state laws that act as a default and may clash with your individual wishes. These attorneys are part investment adviser, part confidant, and part legal specialist. They make sure that the curtain call of your life is handled with dignity and respect.

It all comes down to peace. You’ll feel better knowing that everything has been done correctly and your family will be at peace knowing they have followed your wishes. If you’re hesitant to confront your mortality in the present, consider it a form self-care. It will affect those that matter most. Estate planning attorneys aren’t only necessary, but they can also be the ultimate guardian to your peace of heart.