How do I get started on my estate planning? by Heidi B. Adair

Answer: The best way to start working on your estate plan is to make an appointment with an estate planning attorney.  As part of your preparation for your upcoming appointment, the attorney may provide you with a questionnaire that asks you about your assets and your family.  Even if the attorney does not provide you with a questionnaire, it is still important to create a list of all your assets and debts.  Assets may consist of a home, car, bank accounts, retirement accounts and life insurance as well as other items.  Debts could be loans that you have through a bank or credit union such as mortgages or a loan to purchase a car or could be a loan owed to an individual.  The listing of assets will help the attorney identify what your possible goals may be.   Some possible goals of an estate plan could be to help you avoid taxes or to figure out the best way to leave money to charity.