There are several important issues you must consider when planning your Estate. One of the most important is ensuring that your plan avoids costly errors. Estate Planning errors can cost your heirs thousands, even tens of thousands of dollars, not to mention the unintended consequences of a poorly crafted plan or worse... none at all. Most people want to avoid paying court fees and huge sums of money to attorneys. Proper estate planning avoids these pitfalls.

A common misconception about Estate Planning is that only the old and infirmed should worry about it. Unfortunately, no one really knows when their time will come; we all know someone who has passed away prematurely. If you have young children or you are a single parent an Estate Plan is absolutely essential to the continued welfare of your children.

Your children may become "Wards of the State" if you or you and your spouse die suddenly with no plan in place. A judge will decide where your children will live, who may take care of them and how they will be educated!

Most people who have not done proper Estate Planning say they have wanted to get it done, but didn’t know how or whom to call. Many fear that the cost of using a professional Estate Planner would be too costly. Our clients are pleasantly surprised to learn that professional Estate Planning is far less expensive than the alternative.

To begin your Estate Planning you need to know where your Estate risks are. The Self-Assessment insert in this booklet will get you started on the way to a solid and effective Estate Plan. The questions it contains will help you to see where you are and where your Estate is exposed. We recommend that you complete the assessment when you have finished your study of this booklet.