The Three Essential Estate Planning Documents Every Woman and Family Should Know About

When most people hear “estate planning,” they picture something far away, complicated, or meant for people with big houses and bigger bank accounts. But the truth is much simpler. If you’re a woman, if you have a family, if you have people who count on you, you need a plan. Not later. Now.

And you don’t need a binder full of legal documents to get started. You only need three.

These documents matter because they protect you and your family while you’re alive. Unlike a will, which speaks after death, powers of attorney and guardianship designations step in if illness, injury, or an emergency takes you out of the driver’s seat.

As a trusts and estates attorney, I have helped hundreds of families get protected. I’ve seen what happens when these documents are in place, and I’ve seen what happens when they aren’t. These three documents are the foundation. They’re the ones most women and families start with, regardless of age, income, or relationship status.

Let’s walk through them together.

1. Medical Power of Attorney: Because someone needs the authority to speak for you

If you were in a medical emergency tomorrow and couldn’t speak for yourself, who would doctors turn to?

Most people assume it’s automatically a spouse, fiancé, or even a parent. It’s not.

Even if you’re married, the default rules about who can decide for you are not always automatic or clear. Hospitals often rely on state “next of kin” rules, which can be slow, confusing, or not aligned with what you would have chosen.

A medical power of attorney lets you choose the person you trust to make medical decisions if you’re unable to communicate. This is the person who can talk to doctors, access your medical information, and make sure your voice is heard.

Unlike a will, which only takes effect after death, a medical power of attorney is about right now. It protects you and the people who love you if something happens while you’re very much alive.

In many states, a strong medical power of attorney is paired with (or includes) two related pieces:

• A HIPAA release so your decision-maker can actually see your medical information and talk freely with your doctors.

• A living will or advance directive, where you outline your wishes about things like life support and end-of-life care.

Together, these documents give your chosen person clear authority and clear guidance so they’re not guessing about what you would want in a crisis.

Why it matters for women:

Women are the caregivers in most families. We are the ones our parents, partners, and kids rely on when something happens. But if something happens to you, the people who love you will be stuck unless you name someone in advance. This document (and its “helper” documents) give the person you choose the authority and information to help.

2. Financial Power of Attorney: Because bills don’t wait for anyone

A financial power of attorney lets someone you choose step in to handle your financial life if you can’t. They can pay your bills, access important accounts, freeze a credit card, talk to your bank, or help keep things stable until you’re back on your feet.

Even if you share finances with a spouse or partner, they may not be able to access every account or sign for you on things like leases, loans, or other contracts without a power of attorney in place.

Again, this is protection that works during your lifetime. A financial power of attorney is designed for the season when you are here but not able to manage things yourself because of illness, travel, or an emergency. It fills the gap that a will and other “after death” documents just don’t cover.

Why it matters for women:

Women often manage the details and logistics of family life. If you weren’t able to handle those things, even for a short time, your household could feel the impact immediately. Having a financial power of attorney in place can reduce confusion when you’re already dealing with enough.

3. Guardianship Designation: Because you deserve a say in who cares for your children

If you’re a parent, this is the one that keeps you up at night. A guardianship designation lets you name the person who would care for your children if something happened to you and their other parent or legal guardian, so there is no surviving parent able to care for them.

In many states, you can sign a stand-alone guardianship designation to get your wishes down on paper even if you don’t have a full will in place yet. A will is another common place to formally name a guardian for your children.

Without some kind of guardianship designation, the court decides. Not your sister who lives nearby. Not your best friend who knows your routines. Not the person who shares your parenting values. A judge.

If you have more than one document that talks about guardianship (for example, a stand-alone designation and a will), it’s important that they say the same thing so there isn’t confusion for the court or your family.

Why it matters for women:

Moms carry the emotional and mental load. We think about schedules, schools, doctors, routines, and all the little things that make our kids feel safe. A guardianship designation helps document your wishes so your children are cared for by someone who understands your family.

Why these three documents come first

Estate planning can feel overwhelming right now. But the core of it is actually simple. These three documents are the foundation because they answer the most important question:

Who should step in to help if something happens to you while you’re alive?

That’s it. Without these documents, the answer is unclear. The state decides. The court decides. Or your family is left scrambling at the very moment they need clarity.

With these documents, you’re able to clearly express your wishes. And that’s the entire point of estate planning.

Why women need this more than ever

Women live longer on average, carry more caregiving responsibilities, and sit at the center of extended family logistics. We’re the ones people call when something goes wrong. Yet most women have never spoken to a financial advisor or estate planning attorney.

That’s why we built Mitzi.

To make these protections accessible, understandable, and doable for women who don’t want legal jargon or judgment. Just clear guidance and real protection.

How to create these documents easily

Soon, you’ll be able to use Mitzi to create your medical power of attorney and related “helper” documents (like a HIPAA release and a living will or advance directive), your financial power of attorney, and your guardianship designation in just a few minutes. It’s designed to feel calm, supportive, and made for real life. No overwhelm. No confusion. Just the confidence that comes from knowing your people will be okay if something happens.

Join the waitlist to become one of our first users.

You don’t need to be “wealthy” to need a plan. You just need people you love.

These three documents are not about wealth. They’re about protection and giving the people you trust the ability to help you, and giving your family the stability they need during the hardest moments.