Estate planning rules explained in one quick read Estate Planning Basics provides concise, straightforward, and easy-to-read explanations of the major components of estate planning, so that you don't have to spend hours wading through endless options (most of which apply to the wealthy). Learn about: choosing beneficiaries estate planning by parents with minor children wills living trusts other probate-avoidance methods, including using a retirement plan like an IRA or 401(k) as an estate planning device estate taxes and tax-reduction methods trusts for people in second marriages, or for those leaving property to a disabled person planning for the handling of medical and financial decisions if one becomes incompetent Attorney Denis Clifford gives you the reliable, plain-English answers you need, whether you're doling out the family heirlooms or trying to steer clear of estate taxes. The 5th edition has been fully updated to reflect your state's latest estate planning laws and information.