Estate Planning for
Everyone

1. Make a will.
2. Consider a trust.
3. Make health care directives.
4. Make a financial power of attorney.
5. Protect your children's property.
6. File beneficiary forms.
7. Consider life insurance.
8. Understand estate taxes.
9. Cover funeral expenses.
10. Make final arrangements.
11. Protect your business.
12. Store your documents.

Step-by-step guide from:
nolo.com

Resources

The following is a list of Web sites that offer online estate planning information and answers to common questions. For those who are contemplating a do-it-yourself approach to estate planning, please note that most experts strongly recommend that a professional review your work.

CNNMoney.com outlines estate planning basics including the why's and how's, and steps to take.
http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/money101/lesson21/

Nolo provides information for those who prefer to plan their estates themselves, making America's legal system accessible to everyone.
http://www.nolo.com/lawcenter/ency/index.cfm/catID/
FD1795A9-8049-422C-9087838F86A2BC2B

Estateplanninglinks.com contains tiem saving links to estate planning, elder law, tax and related websites.
http://www.estateplanninglinks.com/

The NAFEP presents the financial and retirement planning aspects of estate planning.
http://www.nafep.com/public%20info/public-info_e-p-info_tools.htm

The American Bar Association provides answers to common estate planning questions.
http://www.abanet.org/rppt/public/home.html

"Leave a Legacy" provides a wide range of information about planned giving.
http://www.leavealegacy.org/

"Smart Money" presents a number of estate planning articles and worksheets. 
http://www.smartmoney.com/estate/

Cornell University's "Legal Information Institute" is a resource for learning the law. Includes a legal dictionary. 
http://topics.law.cornell.edu/wex/estate_planning

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