Estate Planning for Dummies

Give your loved ones peace of mind with a solid estate plan

Many people put off estate planning, often because the process feels too costly or complicated. Estate Planning For Dummies walks you through the estate planning process so that you can make informed decisions, whatever your age, income, or family situation. This helpful guide cuts through the legal jargon and explains how wills, trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and other estate planning tools can work together within a complete estate plan.

You'll discover common mistakes and how to avoid them, from creating a plan that cannot adapt to unexpected circumstances to overlooking assets that pass outside of your will. You'll also learn how to protect your assets, address important tax considerations, plan for incapacity, and make the administration of your estate easier for the people you leave behind. This book puts you on the right track for organizing your financial and legal plans, one clear step at a time.

Inside:

• Understand what your will should address and how it fits into your overall estate plan
• Explore living trusts and find out whether establishing one may be appropriate for your situation
• Learn how healthcare and financial powers of attorney can protect you if you become unable to manage your own affairs
• Learn smart strategies to plan for estate, gift, income, and other tax consequences and how tax planning fits into your estate planning options
• Discover how proactive planning can simplify probate proceedings and the administration of your estate

Whether you're just starting to think about your will or reviewing an existing estate plan, this Dummies guide helps you identify the questions to ask, understand the available tools, and work more effectively with the professionals who assist you. Your future self -- and your loved ones -- will thank you.