The American Estate Planning Guide

The American Estate Planning Guide was written for people who want to understand estate planning before they sit down with an attorney. Paul Rabalais, an estate planning attorney who has practiced since 1991, explains the most important concepts in clear, practical language rather than legal jargon.

Inside, you'll learn:

• The most common estate planning mistakes—and how to avoid them
• What happens if you become incapacitated
• What a will does and does not accomplish
• How probate works
• When a revocable living trust may make sense
• Why beneficiary designations are so important
• How to plan for children and grandchildren
• How family communication can help prevent conflict
• How to organize your affairs so your family can find what they need
• How to address blended families, businesses, special-needs beneficiaries, and other special planning situations
• Why estate planning differs significantly from state to state
• How to turn what you've learned into a practical estate planning action plan

This book is not intended to turn you into an estate planning lawyer. Its purpose is to help you become an informed consumer—someone who understands the documents, the decisions, the people involved, and the questions to ask when working with an estate planning attorney.

Throughout the book, one message remains central: while many estate planning principles apply nationwide, the laws and procedures used to implement those principles vary from state to state. A good estate plan must reflect both your family's circumstances and the laws of the state where you live.

Whether you're creating your first estate plan, reviewing an existing one, helping aging parents, or simply trying to make things easier for the people you love, The American Estate Planning Guide will give you a clearer understanding of the planning process and greater confidence about what to do next.

Estate planning isn't simply about preparing for death. It's about making life easier for the people you love.