It's pretty much the most boring and morbid way you could spend a Saturday night: preparing your will and other important end-of-life documents.

But like eating your vegetables and exercising your derriere, it's something you've just got to do. And I'm really glad that I finally got down to business and finished mine recently.

As a 20- or 30-something, thinking about the possibility of an untimely death is something we try to put out of our minds as much as possible. The idea quickly flits across our brains before we board an airplane or hear sad news about a young friend with cancer. We know how stupid it is to think, "It can't happen to me," but still ... what are the odds?

Even though the odds may be on your side, in the event of your early demise (which obvs would be a huge loss to the world), it's best to make sure even worse things don't come of it by making your wishes known.

If you have a child, as my husband and I do, a will becomes even more crucial. Who will take care of your child if both you and your partner die (never an easy decision to make)? Who will be in charge of financial decisions? What if you are rendered incapable of making critical health decisions for yourself? In addition to the will, a patient advocate form and durable power of attorney are also must-haves, unless you want to create a sticky, expensive and uncomfortable situation for the people you leave behind.

Just because it's uncomfortable thinking about these things, it's no excuse for not taking care of your business.

Ready to bite the bullet (hopefully just metaphorically speaking!)? Here are a few easy first steps you can take:

* Make an appointment with an attorney. Though this is the most expensive route, this is probably the best way to make sure you have all your bases covered when it comes to the legalese involved with wills. A reputable attorney will be well-versed in state laws that apply to your unique situation.

* Go online. Companies such as LegalZoom offer fill-in-the-blank style wills that you can create for a nominal fee. One caveat is that these companies cannot take the place of an attorney, and the documents may not hold up in court - particularly if someone in your family would want to contest them.

* DIY will-making software. Similar to the online services, you can purchase software that will allow you to create your will at home. You'll still need to get them notarized before they are "official," but this is one of the least expensive routes.

Have you written your will yet? How difficult was it? I'd love to hear from you online or by email.

Cynthia J. Drake's column appears every other Thursday. You can email her at or snail mail, c/o Midland Daily News, 124 S. McDonald St., Midland, MI 48640.