This book provides concise, straightforward, and easy to read information about the major components of estate planning - without going into endless detail about arcane options that apply only to the wealthy. Topics include:

• Wills. Why you need one, how to make one, and when having just a will is enough.
• Living Trusts. When they're useful, how they work, and whether you need a lawyer to make one.
• Young Beneficiaries. How to protect gifts you leave to young people, by naming a responsible adult to manage the property until they come of age.
• Avoiding Probate. What is probate, why you might want to avoid it, and how to do it.
• Planning for Incapacity. Why you should make powers of attorney and health care directives to plan for a time when you cannot make decisions about your finances or your medical care.

This new edition updates estate tax information and briefly covers estate planning for cryptocurrency and other digital assets.

Estate planning, in plain English

Get the need-to-know basics about wills, trusts, avoiding probate, and planning for incapacity with Estate Planning Basics. This book lays out your options in plain English, guiding you to the right estate plan for you and your family.

Learn how to:

- make a will or living trust

- name a guardian for your children

- avoid probate

- choose an executor

- use durable powers of attorney, and

- prepare a health care directive.

The 12th edition is completely updated to reflect the latest information about estate planning.