Planning a legal estate can be a complicated process. Consulting with a skilled lawyer is advisable, but knowing the basics about estate planning can really help with the process. The following are many of the Frequently Asked Questions covering a wide variety of estate planning topics. Click on the any question to read its answer.

THE BASICS
	Who needs estate planning?
	I already have a Will. Is it time to review it?
THE WILL
	What is a Will?
	Can I write my own Will?
	What if I die without a Will?
	How can I change my Will?
ESTATE TAXES
	Overview
	What assets are included in the federal estate tax?
	Are assets held in trust subject to the federal estate tax?
	Is jointly owned property subject to the federal estate tax?
	Is life insurance subject to the federal estate tax?
	Is there an estate tax on property passing to a spouse?
	What is the amount of property exempt from estate taxes?
IRREVOCABLE LIFE INSURANCE TRUSTS
	Overview
	What is a "crummey power"?
	From where did the name "crummey" come?
	Does the trust immediately protect the life insurance proceeds from estate taxes?
GIFTS
	Overview
	How much can I give away without incurring a gift tax?
	Can spouses use two gift tax exemptions if only one of them pays for the gift?
	Who files the gift tax return?
	If a name is added to a joint bank account, is that a taxable gift?
	If gifts are made to a trust, how many exemptions are allowed?
HOW TO AVOID PROBATE
	Overview
	What is probate and what does it involve?
	What are probate assets?
	What is a living trust
	What is the probate procedure for small estates?
TRUSTS
	Overview
	What is the difference between a testamentary trust and a living trust?
	If I have a trust do I need a will?
	How do I avoid estate taxes?
	What is a qualified domestic trust?
	What is a special needs trust?
	What is a qtip trust?
	What is a charitable remainder trust?
	Is it important to put assets into my trust during my lifetime?