Estate planning might sound like something just for wealthy people with huge beach houses and billions in the bank. However, the truth is that estate planning is something we all need to think about.

The death of a parent can be emotionally trying, especially if the passing was unexpected. It can also be a test of your patience if there are complicated estate issues to sort out.

If you own any property at all, you probably know about estate planning. You can decide what happens to your assets after you die, of course.

Transferring a home to adult children is not quite as easy as giving them the keys and letting them move in. No matter how you do it, the taxman wants his cut, whether through estate and gift taxes or those for property and income, both federal and state.

Estate planning helps you avoid many unfortunate situations. While it can take some time and money upfront, you can avoid many worse problems later on.

It’s easy to overlook an important task after a spouse or other loved one passes away – like retitling assets. It’s a little thing with big ramifications. Follow this checklist to help make a challenging time less confusing.

Nobody wants to think about how their loved ones will cope when they die. However, it’s important to plan effectively to ensure a smooth transition of your wealth and worldly possessions — even if you’re young or feel like you don’t have much to leave behind.

Almost half a million new cases of Alzheimer’s disease will be diagnosed this year in the United States, according to the BrightFocus Foundation. Worldwide, someone develops some form of dementia every three seconds.

Does a person need a Power of Attorney document if that person already has a Last Will and Testament (‘Will’)? It is a good question.

A trust is an estate planning tool you may consider using if you want to go beyond drafting a last will and testament.