Today's first time parenting tip - Once you get your will finalized, take the next step and create a document for the executor and guardian.

Hopefully you've created a will, named a guardian and bought a life insurance policy to protect your baby if you should pass away before they become an adult. That's great from a legal standpoint, now what happens when one of your friends and family actually has to execute your wishes? It can be confusing for someone who can't read a legal document, and they may wonder if what a lawyer interprets from your documents are truly your wishes.

A good idea is to create a plan for whoever is responsible for your finances and your children. The plan should include.

•  Wishes for burial/cremation
  
• List of assets and life insurance policies, with contact info and any special instructions for making a claim
  
• Plan for how you want your assets invested/donated/distributed, in laymen's terms
  
• List of possessions and who you want to take ownership
  
• Name the guardian for your children

 Your executor should be given a copy of this plan, and they should keep it in a safe deposit box or a fire safe. You should also have this plan, and all your account information and policies stored in a fire safe as well. Be sure to give someone a backup copy, be it a family member or a trusted friend.

If you do this, you can be rest assured that the person making arrangements for you after you pass away will be doing what they truly know you wanted. And it'll help them know exactly what to do in a time where emotions and other distractions will probably be running high.

See all the first time parenting tips