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As long as you're over 18 years old, there's no wrong time to start estate planning or to speak to an estate planning attorney. Most people start after a major life event, such as getting married, buying a home, having kids, or after a death in the family. But everyone can benefit from planning ahead.

A last will is a single legal document that is part of an estate plan. It details who will inherit from you after you pass away, but an estate plan does more. For example, estate planning also gives you the power to appoint people you trust to make financial and healthcare decisions on your behalf and share treatment preferences with medical staff when you can't communicate.

Here are the steps to create an estate plan: Take inventory of your assets. Define your beneficiaries and goals. Appoint trusted individuals. Create essential legal documents. Review and update regularly.

While both lay out how to transfer your assets and personal property after your death, there are key differences. A last will may be easier to set up, but it often needs to go through probate. A funded living trust should avoid probate, but transferring your assets into a trust can take time and require additional paperwork. Our premium estate plans include a year of attorney guidance to help you decide.

Complete the online questionnaire by answering simple questions about your assets and wishes. We prepare your personalized documents. Download and review them at your convenience — print and sign when ready. With a premium plan, schedule a call with an attorney to review your documents before signing.

No, but it can help. If you buy a premium estate plan, you can schedule a call with an attorney from our network before starting the questionnaire to create your documents.

With our premium estate plans, you can revise your documents as often as you need, at no additional cost, for one year. We also offer standalone options to revise your estate plan for ongoing peace of mind.

We set ourselves apart with affordability and attorney guidance. We offer a comprehensive range of estate plan services, including guidance from highly rated attorneys, to help you protect your family and assets with ease. Create a customized will- or trust-based estate plan online, including all the essential documents you need — all from the comfort of your home.

An estate is the total assets someone has at death, typically going through probate for distribution. A trust is a legal document where a trustee manages assets for beneficiaries, often created during the grantor's life to avoid probate, reduce taxes, and allow for more control and privacy in asset distribution.

Creating a standard will estate plan with an attorney varies by state but typically costs between $300 and $1,500. If you need a more complex plan, such as one with a trust, the typical cost can range from $1,000 to $5,000 for legal assistance. Estate planning costs are influenced by several factors, including the number of individuals involved, the complexity of the estate, state-specific requirements, and attorney fees.

It's recommended to review your will every year, or whenever a major life event occurs. Marriage, divorce, the birth or adoption of a child, significant changes in your assets, or the loss of a beneficiary — all of these necessitate a second look at your estate plan.

It depends. The IRS levies a tax on estates worth more than a certain amount (the amount changes each year). Some states also apply their own estate taxes or inheritance taxes. Estate tax planning is typically a consideration for larger estates. You may want to consult with a financial planner, estate plan attorney, and tax advisor to assess your potential liability.