Estate Planning Foundations

What Is Estate Planning?

Estate planning arranges how assets are managed if you become incapacitated and how they transfer at death.

Five Core Documents

1. Will
2. Revocable trust
3. Durable power of attorney
4. Healthcare directive
5. HIPAA authorization

Two Common Gaps

• Beneficiary designations that are outdated or inconsistent
• Asset titles that do not match intended transfer outcomes

Why Coordination Matters

Estate planning, tax planning, and retirement planning are connected. Inconsistent decisions across these areas can create avoidable costs and delays.

Educational note: this content is general information and not legal advice.