For Attorneys

Understanding Legal Topics

Estate Planning

Estate planning involves how your property will be handled after death, or providing for the end of life, but may also include more complex matters that call for expert help. More on Estate Planning >

All Estate Planning topics:

Asset Protection
Banking & Loans

Credit Unions
Savings & Thrifts

Business Succession Planning
Charitable Giving
Estate Litigation
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender (LGBT) Rights
Guardianship
Insurance Law

Annuities
Auto Accident & Property Claims
Bad Faith
Health Insurance
Life Insurance
Property & Casualty

Living Wills
Nolo Document Review
Power of Attorney
Probate & Estate Administration
Securities & Investments

Capital Markets
Commodities
Foreign Investment
Private Placements
Public Offering
Shareholder Disputes
State Blue Sky Laws
Warrants

Tax Law

Audit Defense
Estate Taxes & Gift Taxes
Income Taxes
IRS Disputes
IRS Filing & Compliance
Negotiating IRS Payments & Settlements
Payroll Taxes
Power of Attorney
Property Taxes
Sales Taxes & Use Taxes
Tax Evasion Defense
Tax Planning

Trusts

Charitable Trusts
Living Trusts
Revocable Trust & Irrevocable Trusts
Special Needs Trusts
Supplemental Needs Trusts

Wills

More about Estate Planning

Estate planning is mostly about deciding who will get your property when you die. Many people can leave what they own by preparing a simple will or trust. However, estate planning may also involve more complicated tasks -- like reducing estate tax or taking care of a loved one with special needs -- that call for expert help.

Estate planning also includes planning for the end of life. For example, you can create a health care directive (a living will and durable power of attorney for health care) and a durable power of attorney for finances to make sure that your medical care and finances are handled properly if you're unable to take care of yourself.