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Estate planning

Family is everything. Let us help you protect your loved ones.

Guillermo V.
Rocket Lawyer member since 2012

Estate planning FAQs

  • What's the difference between a Will and an Estate Plan?

    A Last Will and Testament is the cornerstone of every estate plan. It allows you to distribute your assets, appoint guardians for your children, and provide for a favorite charity. But an estate plan doesn't end there. A Power of Attorney, for example, lets you appoint a trusted family member or other individuals to make financial and medical decisions on your behalf, while a Living Trust can help you provide for your children without the hassles of probate court.

  • How often should I update my Will?

    It's a good idea to consider updating your Will whenever you have a big change in your life. A marriage, the birth of a child, a new business venture, or the purchase of a home are great reasons to take a look at your Will. You can either start from scratch and create a brand new Last Will and Testament or just use a Codicil to Will to make changes to your existing one.

  • Why should you create a complete Estate Plan?

    A full estate plan is the smartest way to make sure your assets are distributed the way you want them to be. Without a Will, your property will be divided based on the rules in your state, which are the same for everyone. If you want to leave money to a charity, appoint a guardian for your children, or protect your business after you're gone, an estate plan is the only way to make sure your wishes are known.

  • What's the difference between a Living Will and a Power of Attorney?

    Both these estate planning documents can help you make tough healthcare decisions now that might affect you and your family in the future. With a Power of Attorney, you appoint an agent who you trust to make these decisions for you, while with a Living Will, you can expressly lay out the sorts of treatment you do and do not want to receive. For example, people who may not want to be kept in a vegetative state can note that explicitly in their Living Will.

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Legal guides

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  11. Living Will vs. Durable Healthcare Power of Attorney
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  12. Living Will vs. Last Will and Testament
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  13. Simplify Probate Using a Will and Living Trust
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  14. What is Conservatorship?
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  15. How to Create a Testamentary Trust
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  16. Do I Need an Estate Planning Attorney?
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  17. Understanding Life Insurance Policies
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  18. Types of Estate Planning Documents: Know Your Options
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  19. Using a Pour-Over Will with a Living Trust
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  20. How To Simplify or Avoid the Probate Process
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  21. 3 Estate Planning Essentials To Protect Your Family
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  23. How To Choose the Right Executor for Your Will
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  28. How To Pass Your Home to Your Heirs With Just a Deed
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  29. What Happens if my Loved One Dies without a Will?
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  30. How To Include Children in Your Estate Plan
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