Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

At what age do most people start estate planning?

Accepted Answer

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 estate planning after a major life event such as getting married, buying a home, or having kids, or after a death in the family. But everyone can benefit from planning ahead. You can always start by speaking with an estate plan attorney.

Question 2

How do I know if I need a last will or a living trust?

Accepted Answer

While a last will and a living trust both lay out how to transfer your assets and personal property after your death, there are some key differences. An estate plan attorney can also advise which might meet your needs best. A last will may be easier to set up, but it often needs to go through the court probate process after your death. A funded living trust should avoid probate, but transferring your assets into a trust can take time and require additional paperwork. To help you decide which is best, our estate planning bundles include a year of Attorney Assist. Once you get an estate plan bundle, you can immediately schedule an estate plan attorney call. An estate planning attorney can help you become an informed estate planner when making decisions after reviewing your assets, family situation, state laws, and other factors.

Question 3

What is the difference between a will and an estate plan?

Accepted Answer

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 health care decisions on your behalf and share treatment preferences with medical staff when you can't communicate.

Question 4

Do I need to speak with an attorney before starting my estate plan?

Accepted Answer

No, but it can help to speak to an estate planning attorney. Once you buy a bundle, we encourage you to schedule a call with an attorney. You can speak with an estate plan attorney from our network before starting the questionnaire to create your documents.

Question 5

What if I need to make changes to my estate plan?

Accepted Answer

With the estate plan bundle, you can revise your documents as often as you need, at no additional cost, for one year. If you have questions, an estate planning attorney can help. Our network of attorneys is here for you.

Question 6

How often should I update my will?

Accepted Answer

It's a good idea to review it every few years—or if there's a big change in your life, such as having a child or getting married. You can also consult a lawyer for estate planning services.

Question 7

Will I have to pay estate and inheritance taxes?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 8

What happens after I order my complete estate plan?

Accepted Answer

You'll be all set to start building your estate plan using our online questionnaire. Before you begin, we recommend scheduling a call with an estate plan attorney from our network to answer any questions you may have about the process. Once you've submitted your answers, we'll prepare your paperwork and make everything available for download so you can review and sign. An estate plan attorney can review your completed documents, too.

Protect your family with an estate plan

Why use LegalZoom to set up your estate plan?

Convenient for you

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Accepted in all 50 states

Estate plans at an affordable price

Last Will Estate Plan $249(for 1 person)

Living Trust Estate Plan $399(for 1 person)

Complete your estate plan with LegalZoom in 3 easy steps

Schedule an attorney call

Complete our questionnaire

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What are the 4 components of an estate plan?

Last will and testament or living trust

Financial power of attorney

Living will (health care directive)

HIPAA (health care release)

What we include in our estate plan bundles

Last will and testament or living trust

Financial power of attorney

Living will

Ready to start your estate plan?

Ready to start your estate plan?

Why getting an estate plan is important

Provide for your loved ones

Protect your young children

Communicate your wishes

Frequently asked questions

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