A death or loss of mental capacity often occurs unexpectedly. Your loved ones then have to find your accounts, contracts, and documents, all while trying to guess what you would have wanted. Without a will, the law determines who inherits and in what proportions. Without a power of attorney for incapacity, the adult protection authority may have to intervene to appoint your representative. Preparing these documents now will spare your family the hassle of searching, uncertainty, and sometimes even stress, at a time when they need it least.