This quick read makes understanding the rules of estate planning easy! 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 steering clear of estate taxes. The 3rd edition is updated with the current rules of your state.