Your Family’s Future is Your Greatest Stewardship.
We help intentional families move from “vague intention” to total protection. Build a fortified Family Shield that secures your children’s future and honors your values.
Estate Planning is an Act of Leadership.
Most estate planning is a transaction—a set of cold legal documents filed in a drawer.
At Family Shield Estate Planning, we believe your plan is a living testament to your family’s future. It is the final word on your values, your vision, and your children’s safety.
We don’t just facilitate a process; we help you forge a legacy. We bridge the gap between “legal requirements” and “intentional leadership,” ensuring your family is protected by more than just a signature.
Families We’ve Been Honored to Help
From young parents choosing guardians to adult children helping parents update outdated plans, our goal is the same: clarity, protection, and peace of mind.
For young families:
“Peace of mind is priceless.”
“As small business owners and parents of a young daughter, we always felt a lingering unease about not having our affairs in order—especially before traveling. We talked about creating a will for years but never made it happen. When we met Jim and learned about the benefits of setting up a trust, we knew it was time to take action.
Jim and his team made the entire process simple, approachable, and incredibly thorough. What felt overwhelming at first—making tough decisions about our daughter’s future, navigating legal documents, thinking through ‘what if’ scenarios—became manageable with their step-by-step support. They followed up with us, kept us on track, and truly helped us finish something we may never have completed on our own.
We now have a clear plan in place, and that peace of mind is priceless.”
Laura & Joshua Hale
Small Business Owners & Parents
For adult children helping parents:
“We trusted them with our parents’ plans— and that says everything.”
“We came across Family Shield Estate Planning at a Teach Them Diligently conference. They offered a free group consult, and we made sure to grab their information. I am so glad we did.
So far, both my parents and my in-laws have gone through the trust process with FSEP’s patient help. Both sets of parents went from outdated wills that would have caused a lot of grief to trusts that give a clear picture of what they want done after they depart.
Jim and his team have the patience of Job. They were helpful all along the way and gently kept things moving when our parents got busy or stalled.
To summarize: we trusted them with our parents’ plans — and that says everything.”
Paul & Laura Manning
The Five Foundations of The Family Shield
The Guardian:
Select the right people to raise your kids if you cannot.
The Provision:
Ensure they’re provided for without delay.
The Structure:
Protect them from the chaos of court and conflict.
The Blueprint:
Leave the values and guidance they’ll need.
The Heart:
Shape their lives—and yours—while you’re still here.
The Five Foundations of The Family Shield
The Guardian:
Select the right people to raise your kids if you cannot.
The Structure:
Protect them from the chaos of court and conflict.
The Provision:
Ensure they’re provided for without delay.
The Blueprint:
Leave the values and guidance they’ll need.
The Heart:
Shape their lives—and yours—while you’re still here.
The Steward’s Path
The Steward’s Audit
A Two-Min instant assessment to identify the gaps in your family’s current protection.
the Book
Who Would Raise Them? The Five Foundations of the Family Shield—the essential guide for every intentional parent.
Family Shield Workshop
A practical workshop to help families understand the Five Foundations and move from good intentions to a clearer plan.
The Family Shield System
Our comprehensive, “done-with-you” experience to fully architect your family’s legacy.
Meet Jim & Beth Hood
We didn’t start as experts—we started as parents who realized our own plan was a collection of “we really shoulds.”
After years of navigating the difficult details most families avoid, we founded Family Shield Estate Planning and wrote Who Would Raise Them? to help families move from vague intention to total protection.
We’ve done the work so you don’t have to guess.
Already have the book?
Access Your Steward Resources
A Steward’s Guide to Estate Planning and Guardianship
Most parents have a “someday” plan that exists only in their heads. In Who Would Raise Them?, Jim and Beth Hood cut through the excuses to help you build a shield that protects your children’s faith, values, and future. This isn’t just a book about estate planning—it’s a book about love that takes action.
#1 Amazon Best Seller in Parenting & Relationships Short Reads
Amazon Top 10 Best Seller in Estates & Trusts Law, Religion & Spirituality Short Reads, and Christian Families
