Estate planning is the process by which an individual or family arranges the transfer of assets prior to death. An estate plan aims to protect the maximum amount of wealth possible for the intended beneficiaries and flexibility to the individual prior to death.
A variety of legal documents and tools can help ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes. These may include a will, powers of attorney, and one or more types of trusts, such as a living trust, which may help you control assets while you are alive and potentially provide tax benefits.