An estate is the general term used to describe everything you own. This includes bank accounts, stocks, real estate, household items and furniture, automobiles, copyrights, and cryptocurrency. This also includes liabilities such as a mortgage, lease, or loan.

An estate plan is your personal set of instructions that dictate what will happen to you and your stuff (your estate) at your death. If you have a minor child, your estate plan allows you to nominate who will be the guardian for your child. Estate planning documents also allow you to dictate who manages your finances when you cannot and who will make medical or end-of-life decisions when you are unable to communicate them yourself.

Technically, you already have an estate plan. If you do not create a personalized estate plan, state laws dictate who will receive your money and property and the amount each heir will receive.
Additionally, the court will step in and appoint someone to make financial or medical decisions on your behalf when you are unable, whether or not you would have chosen that person yourself. This process can be incredibly time-consuming and expensive.

This program is not for everyone. Those who are estranged from their spouse, have complex family dynamics (including disinheriting a beneficiary), have family members with special needs/disabilities, or have real estate in more than one state should consider a comprehensive estate plan rather than proceeding with this online service.