1: You Need a Good Estate Plan2: What is a Good Estate Plan?3: One Size Does Not Fit All4: Minimizing Your Tax Liabilities5: The Basic Planning Tools6: Who Can Help You7: What Are You Waiting For?Sample Bequest LanguageDownload a Sample Codicil Form
Although a will is the essential estate planning tool, it is not, as most people believe, carved in stone. A will may reflect your written intentions for the disposition of your estate but unfortunately it may not be the final word; there are several instances where the instructions of a will can be overridden by:
- Property held in trust
- Named beneficiaries of retirement plans
- Partnerships or other business agreements
- State laws
It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with all the basic tools of estate planning so you and your planner or planning team can make the best informed decisions regarding the distribution of your assets.
- Your will
- Substitutes for wills
- Revocable trust basics
- Other estate planning tools
Consider making a gift through your will or trust.
Here’s the language you’ll need.
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