If you’ve streamed Taylor Tomlinson’s recent Netflix comedy special, Prodigal Daughter, you know she tackles heavy life topics with a sharp comedic edge, including a big one that many people avoid: thinking about death.

But, tucked between the laughs and bold personal storytelling, there’s a moment in the special where Tomlinson talks about something most adults should confront (but often put off) until it’s too late: getting your affairs in order, including writing a will and thinking through your health care wishes.

Let’s unpack why the estate planning topics that Taylor talks about in her special matter to everyone, regardless of your age, income, or life stage.

1. Even Younger Adults Need a Plan

Taylor jokes about the irony of writing a will when she’s not even “old” yet (a sentiment many of us share). Yet the truth is clear: having a will before a crisis happens is a gift to the people you care about most.

A will:

• Specifies who gets your assets when you pass away

• Names an executor to handle your affairs

• Designates guardians for minor children (if applicable)

If you skip this step and something unexpected happens, the state’s default rules decide these outcomes. We find that most of our clients prefer to have the final say in how their estate is handled, rather than leaving it up to the government to decide.  

2. Advance Health Care Decisions Matter

While Tomlinson’s set focuses on the humor inherent in confronting mortality, it opens the door to a serious point: situations arise where we might not be able to speak for ourselves. That’s where Advance Health Care Directives come in.

An Advance Health Care Directive lets you:

• Appoint someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf

• Express your preferences about treatments you do or don’t want

• Include wishes about things like organ donation or comfort care choices

Tomlinson’s humor might make you laugh, but the underlying message is profound: planning ahead gives you control.

3. Laughing About Tough Topics Can Prompt Real Action

Comedians have a unique power to make uncomfortable subjects feel less taboo. When someone as culturally visible as Taylor Tomlinson uses her platform to talk about these realities of life, it can be a nudge for people to take real steps. Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy or the elderly. If you have people who depend on you, property you care about, or strong medical preferences you want honored, it’s for you. And humor can be one more reminder to get it done.

If Prodigal Daughter made you chuckle and made you think, here are some practical steps you can take right now:

➡️ Create or update a will that reflects your current relationships and assets

➡️ Set up an Advance Health Care Directive to name a trusted agent and state your wishes

➡️ Consider other planning tools, like financial powers of attorney, trusts, or beneficiary designations

➡️ Review your documents regularly, especially after major life changes (marriage, kids, divorce, etc.)

Estate planning doesn’t have to be morbid! It can be liberating. Laughing about it with Taylor Tomlinson is one thing… but putting a plan in place can be a life-changing act of responsibility and love for your family and friends.

If you’d like help crafting a plan that fits your life and goals (whether you’re just starting out, or updating old out-of-date documents) contact Limitless Law PLLC to schedule your strategy session with one of our attorneys. We’ll make the legal side as manageable and clear as possible.

Call 360-685-0145 or click here to learn more about how we can help!