There is often confusion, that estate planning is something only rich people or people in their later years need to take care of. This is a real problem because almost everyone but the very poor needs Estate Planning. Wherever you live in the United States, and if you own anything worth over $30,000, including personal things worth nothing to anyone, but you or your family, you will be subject to probate, left to the state to decide who will get, what ever there is. Property, Investments or even a photo album. Put some times aside and do some planning and save yourself a lot of grief and a ton of money in court costs and taxes.
Deciding on who gets what, is the function of estate planning. The most important part is having legal documents, that are acceptable in you state. There should be a step by step outline, expressing your wishes after you are deceased. If you do not have an estate plan, it will be left up to the state. Every state had different rules and trust me, they will not necessary be in your best interest. The state laws will apply, and your assets, will be divided to your wife and other family members according to state law. Guide your own destiny and do not leave it to the state and leave your family in a state of confusion. Have an estate-planning document in place.
People are becoming more educated but a great many have no provisions for when they die. There is neither a living trust nor a will in place. For the most part we are consumed with our everyday duties. This is an area we don