Last reviewed in September 2022 by the Clicklaw Editors.

There are two key types of planning:

• Personal planning – making arrangements for while you are alive but you may need assistance due to an illness, injury or disability (e.g. making a Representation Agreement, Enduring Power of Attorney and/or Advance Directive); and
• Estate planning – making arrangements for after death (e.g. making a Will).

Good starting points include:

• Types of Planning, from Nidus, explains the differences between personal and estate planning. The flowcharts can help you understand which topics/areas are covered under each type of planning.  
• Personal Planning, from People’s Law School, has guides on 1) Powers of Attorney and Representation Agreements and 2) Committeeship. You can use these guides if someone needs help making decisions concerning money or care.
• Preparing a Will and Estate Planning, from People’s Law School, has information on preparing a will and tips for creating an estate plan.
• Wills, from People's Law School, provides practical, step-by-step information on making a will.  

Need more help?

• Lawyer Referral Service, from Access Pro Bono, offers a free, brief initial consultation with a lawyer to determine your legal needs. If you would like further help from your lawyer, you can retain them at an agreeable rate of charge.
• Find more help near you on Clicklaw HelpMap: Personal Planning and Clicklaw HelpMap: Wills & Estates.

See our related common questions:

• See all common questions about personal planning
• See all common questions about wills & estates

tags

personal planning, estate planning, representation agreement, representation agreements, powers of attorney, power of attorney, enduring power of attorney, enduring powers of attorney, RA, EPA, PoA, EPOA, wills and estates, planning for the future, advance care planning