What is estate planning?

No matter how large or how modest, everyone has an estate. And an estate plan simply makes sure that everything you own, and what you wish to have happen, when you're no longer able to do it yourself or when you pass away, is handled the way you want. We work with a team of estate planning experts to help you develop the best strategies so that your family won't be burdened by speculating on what you may have wanted.

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Here's what goes into a strong estate plan

A will

Tells your loved ones who should get what when you're no longer here and names a guardian if you have children under the age of 18.

Powers of attorney

If you're not able to make decisions about your finances or medical care, this allows someone you've chosen to make them for you.

Advanced directives (living will)

Lets doctors know which treatments, procedures, and medications you do or don't want to receive if you're unable to tell them.

Trusts (optional)

Allows a third party to hold assets on your behalf and specify how and when they will pass to your beneficiaries.

You've got estate planning questions, We've got answers.

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The Northwestern Mutual difference

97% of our clients stay with us year over year

The percentage of our policyowners who stay with us year over year.1

Statistic for Northwestern Mutual, based on Northwestern Mutual policyowner data.

5.0M+ clients at Northwestern Mutual

The number of people we're proud to call clients, and who put their trust in us.

164+ years strong through depressions, downturns, and pandemics

The number of years we’ve been there for our clients—through depressions, downturns, and pandemics.

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Ready to start your estate plan?

Our financial advisors will help with your estate planning and show you how it fits into your bigger financial plan.

It's easy to get started—no commitment, just a conversation.