If you spend time around the Ponte Vedra baseball fields, you know there’s something special about baseball season. The crack of the bat, parents cheering from the sidelines, and kids learning the importance of preparation, teamwork, and stepping up when it counts.

As a mom of two boys who play little league baseball in Ponte Vedra, I spend many afternoons and weekends at those fields. As an estate planning attorney, I’m often reminded that life has its own moments where we have to “step up to the plate” for the people we love.

My path to estate planning began in a very different area of law. Before opening my firm, I spent ten years as a criminal prosecutor handling cases involving crimes against women and children. That work showed me how quickly life can change for families and how important it is to have the right protections in place.

Today, I own the Law Office of Katrina G. Harden in Nocatee, where I help parents, business owners, and retirees create thoughtful and practical estate plans. From simple wills to complex trusts, these legal tools help protect the people they love and the assets they’ve worked hard to build.

Many people assume estate planning is something you do later in life. In reality, families in their 30s and 40s—often in the middle of raising children, building careers, and managing a home—may benefit the most from planning ahead. If something unexpected happened, would your family know what to do? These five questions can help you find out.

If an accident or illness left you unable to manage your financial affairs, someone would need legal authority to pay bills, file taxes, manage property, or deal with insurance matters. A Durable Power of Attorney allows you to choose the trusted person who can step in if needed. Without it, your family may need court approval before they can assist with even basic financial responsibilities.

A Designation of Health Care Surrogate allows you to name the person you trust to communicate with doctors and make medical decisions if you are unable to do so. Without this document in place, loved ones may face delays and unnecessary stress during moments when quick decisions are critical.

Many people are surprised to learn that having a will does not automatically avoid probate. Probate is the court-supervised process used to transfer assets after someone passes away. With thoughtful planning, certain assets can pass outside of probate, and tools such as a revocable living trust can help create a smoother transition for loved ones.

For families with minor children, naming a guardian is one of the most important decisions in an estate plan. Without that designation, a court will decide who will care for your children. Estate planning also allows parents to structure how and when a child receives an inheritance so those assets are managed responsibly.

Estate plans should evolve as life changes. Marriage, children, relocating, business ownership, and growing investments are all good reasons to review your documents. Even if nothing major has changed, reviewing your plan every few years helps ensure it still reflects your wishes.

Stepping up to the plate in baseball means being ready when your team needs you. Estate planning is no different. Taking the time to answer these questions now can help ensure your family is prepared for whatever life may throw their way.

Katrina G. Harden serves families throughout Ponte Vedra, St. Johns, and Duval County. She has practiced law for over sixteen years and is licensed in both Florida and Georgia. Katrina was recently honored as the Ponte Vedra Recorder’s Best of the Best Estate Planning Attorney. When she’s not on the baseball field, you can find her cheering on the Florida Gators and Atlanta Braves. You can reach her at (904) 789-5899.