A well-designed estate plan ensures that upon your death, your property will be distributed as you want it distributed, to whom you want it distributed and when you want it distributed. The estate planning process involves preparation of a last will and testament and possibly a revocable trust, both of which govern the distribution of assets after death. These documents may or may not include some estate tax planning, depending upon the value of those assets. I also advise clients to prepare a durable power of attorney document and a health care power of attorney and advanced directive (often called a “living will”), two important documents that are considered part of the “estate planning process.” Since retirement accounts and life insurance are often a significant part of an individual’s wealth, I assist clients in preparing or reviewing beneficiary designation forms that govern the distribution of these assets after death.