Covers the basics of estate planning, including wills, trusts, and health care directives. It prepares readers to start planning their estate, with or without an attorney. The 7th edition is updated with the latest laws and tax information.

A first look at estate planning -- Your beneficiaries -- Children -- Planning for incapacity: medical care and finances -- Wills -- Living trusts -- Other ways to avoid probate -- Retirement plans as estate planning devices -- Estate tax -- Reducing federal estate taxes -- Property control trusts -- Lawyers -- Finalizing your estate plan.