Everwell Planning Co | End-of-Life Planning Resources, Guides and Free Downloads

Why it matters

Most families are left to figure it out alone

We plan weddings, birthdays, and vacations. But almost no one plans for death. Whether it is unexpected or you are planning ahead, the people left behind carry that weight alone. They are making impossible decisions while they are barely breathing. This site exists so that does not have to be your family's story.

Your wishes, clearly documented

Everything your family needs to know, in one place, in your words, ready when it matters.

Peace of mind, now

When the hard conversations are done, you feel lighter. That matters more than you know.

Real situations

Real stories.

These are not rare stories. They happen every day to people who simply never got around to it.

Your partner had no say.

After 10 years together, no Will and no legal protections. When he died suddenly, his parents made every decision: the funeral, the burial, all of it. She had no legal standing, no matter how much he loved her.

A form you forgot about overruled your wishes.

He never updated his retirement account after a breakup. His ex received the full balance. A Will cannot override a Beneficiary Designation. That one forgotten form changed everything.

Your family waited while the hospital followed a legal process.

She was in a car accident and on life support. Her family sat in the waiting room for hours. Without a Healthcare Directive, no one had legal authority to make decisions about her care. The hospital had no choice but to follow protocol.

Your business didn't survive you.

No Succession Plan meant the business froze almost immediately. Employees went unpaid, contracts lapsed, and clients moved on. All while her family was trying to plan a funeral.

Someone you never expected made every decision.

He had been estranged from his parents for years. No Will, no designated contacts. When he passed, they stepped in legally and made every call: the arrangements, the estate, everything.

Your whole life was locked behind a password.

Years of photos, important documents, money sitting in digital accounts. No one knew how to access any of it. Without the right information, so much of what he left behind simply disappeared.

A judge decided who would raise their children.

Both parents passed away with no Will naming a Guardian. The court stepped in and made that choice for them. It could be someone they would never have chosen.

No one knew what she would have wanted.

Her family spent thousands on arrangements they later found out she wouldn't have wanted. No documentation, no conversation, no clarity.

She had everything in order.

She was not sick. Nothing was wrong. She just believed in being prepared. When she passed, her family knew exactly what she wanted, where everything was, and who to call. There was no scrambling, no conflict. They could just grieve. And that made all the difference.

He looked for a note that was never there.

They had a falling out. When his sister died suddenly, he went through everything. Every document, every drawer, every pile of paper in her apartment. He was looking for something in her handwriting. Anything that said I was wrong. I love you. I'm sorry. He never found it. Write the letter. Leave the words. You don't know who will need them.

How it works

Simple steps forward

You do not need an appointment. You do not need to have it all figured out. You just need to start.

Start Free

Grab The Essentials at no cost and start there.

Go Deeper

The $27 guide covers everything in detail, at your own pace.

Fill It In

Work through it on your own time. Save it, print it, or share it with the people you trust.

Keep It Current

Revisit it after major life changes. Keeping it current is what makes it work for you.

The story behind it

Why I built this

In 2018, our family lost my uncle unexpectedly. He was the funny, warm-hearted uncle everyone loved. His loss left a hole that could not be filled. No one saw it coming. The grief was overwhelming, and so was everything that came with it. In the middle of it all, one of my other uncles messaged the whole family and asked us to plan ahead. That moment never left me.

Years later, someone I loved lost his brother suddenly at 43, with no time to prepare. He felt emotions he had never felt before while trying to figure out finances, belongings, wishes, and decisions no one should have to make in that state.

Two losses. Two families. I created Everwell Planning because no matter how death arrives, the people you love will need answers. A plan is not just something you do for yourself. It is the last thing you do for them.

Created by Nina Alvarado, San Diego, CA

Helpful resources

The documents every family needs

Key documents every family should have in place. Here is what each one is and where to get started.

Will

Specifies how you want your assets distributed and who should care for any minor children. Without one, the state decides for your family.

Create your free Will at FreeWill.com

Revocable Living Trust

Avoids probate, keeps your affairs private, and lets a trusted person step in immediately if you pass or become incapacitated. More powerful than a Will alone and common in many states.

Create a free Living Trust at FreeWill.com (California residents only)

Power of Attorney

Designates someone you trust to manage your finances and legal affairs if you are unable to do so yourself. Stays active even if you become incapacitated.

Create a free Power of Attorney at FreeWill.com

Advance Directive

Also called a Living Will, this document tells your medical team what treatments you do or do not want if you cannot speak for yourself. Every state has its own version.

Download your state's form free at CaringInfo.org

HIPAA Authorization

Allows your designated person to access your medical information. Without this, even your closest family members may be blocked from speaking with your doctors.

Complete free at FreeWill.com (included with your Advance Directive)

POLST Form

Translates your wishes into medical orders for seriously ill patients. Must be signed by a doctor and is especially important as you approach end of life. Available in every state.

Learn more and find your state's form at polst.org

Disposition of Remains

Burial, cremation, or donation. Your family should not have to guess. Make sure your wishes are documented somewhere and that the people you love know where to find them.

Pet Care Designation

Your pets need a plan too. Name a guardian, document their care routine, and make sure someone knows your wishes before they are needed.

Legacy Letter

No legal requirement. No format. Just your words. A legacy letter is a personal note you leave behind for the people you love. What you want them to know, what you hope for them, what you need to say. It costs nothing and means everything.

This site is designed to help you understand what these documents are and where to get them. It does not provide legal advice. For document preparation, always work with a licensed attorney in your state.

Common questions

Things people want to know

Do I need to be old or sick to do this?

Not at all. This is for everyone. Whether you are young and healthy, recently diagnosed, or just getting your affairs in order later in life, the best time to plan is now. The people on this site who were not prepared were not all elderly, they were in their 30s, 40s, and 50s. But no matter your age or situation, your family will be grateful you did this.

I already have a Will. Do I still need this?

A Will is a great start but it is only one piece. Most people are missing a Healthcare Directive, updated Beneficiary Designations, digital account access, and clear instructions for their family. The guide helps you find and fill those gaps.

What does the guide cover?

The guide walks you through finances, legal documents, healthcare wishes, personal belongings, digital life, and end-of-life preferences. Everything is structured so you can work through it at your own pace.

Is this the same as seeing an attorney or financial advisor?

No. Everwell Planning is a resource, not a legal or financial service. Think of it as a way to get everything organized so that when you do see an attorney, you are already prepared. And your family has what they need if something happens before you get there.

What if I don't know the answers to some of the questions?

That is exactly what the guide is for. Each section prompts you with clear questions so you do not need to have all the answers. Just a willingness to start is enough.

Can I do this with my spouse or partner?

Yes and it is actually a great idea. The guide is designed to be worked through together. Having the conversation together makes it easier and keeps you both on the same page.

What if my situation changes after I complete the guide?

Life changes: new jobs, marriages, children, moves. Revisiting your plan every year or after a major life event is a good habit. The guide is yours to update whenever you need to.

Do I need to hire anyone to use this?

No. Everything on this site is designed to be used completely on your own. The free download and the $27 guide walk you through every step. No appointment, no consultant, no attorney required to get started.

Everything your family will need to know: organized, documented, and ready.