The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the patio as Maria and David nervously reviewed the stack of legal documents. They had always intended to get their affairs in order, but life – with its relentless pace of work, raising two children, and managing a comfortable home in Carlsbad – always seemed to get in the way. Now, David’s recent diagnosis of a progressive illness had injected a stark urgency into their procrastination. They’d heard horror stories about probate court, the potential for family disputes, and the significant costs associated with untangling an estate without proper planning. Maria confessed, “We’ve put this off for far too long, haven’t we?” David, with a weary smile, simply nodded, the weight of the unknown heavy in his eyes.