Why Every Parent of Minor Children Needs an Estate Plan

Many parents assume estate planning is something that can wait until later in life, but having minor children changes that calculation entirely. One of the most important reasons parents should have an estate plan is to ensure that trusted individuals are chosen to care for their children if something unexpected happens and to protect their children’s inheritance. Without a will or proper planning documents in place, decisions regarding guardianship and the management of a child’s inheritance may be left to the courts or default Louisiana law.



A comprehensive estate plan for parents often includes a will, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and in many cases, trusts for minor children. Parents may use trusts to hold and manage assets for their children until they reach an age where they are mature enough to handle significant financial responsibility. This can help avoid situations where a child receives a large inheritance outright at age eighteen.

Estate planning can also help families avoid unnecessary conflict, delays, and expense. By clearly stating your wishes and creating a plan tailored to your family, you can provide stability and financial protection for your children during an already difficult time. For many young families, estate planning is not simply about wealth transfer—it is about protecting the people who matter most.

Johnston Burkhardt is an attorney at Sternberg, Naccari & White, LLC with experience in trusts and estate planning for families. He regularly assists families in structuring trusts to protect long-term financial security and protection. To learn more about trusts and estate planning or to schedule a consultation, contact Johnston at (504) 324-2141 or johnston@snw.law.