INTRODUCTION TO ESTATE PLANNING

There is a widespread misconception that "estate planning" is of importance only to the wealthy.  This is due, in part, to the emphasis of the financial service industry on planning for estate taxes, which only concern larger estate owners.  This tutorial, above all, should help you recognize a number of other significant issues that deserve everyone's attention.  Other tutorials explore the legal concepts and procedures, as well as the tools and methods, of estate planning, probate, wills, and trusts.

What Is Estate Planning? The Need For, Structure, and Function of a Simple Will What Would Happen If You Died Tomorrow? What Would You Want to Happen If You Died Tomorrow? Choosing the Right Executor and Trustee Do You Need an Attorney to Help You? Start Planning Your Estate Now

Let's begin with some thoughts and observations to help us get oriented.