Legal Professionals: Get Listed!

When Should I Start My Estate Plan?

By: LawInfo
The only time that you can prepare and implement an estate plan is while you are alive and have legal capacity to enter into a contract. If you are unable to manage your own affairs or suffer from some other disability which affects your legal capacity, your estate plan may be effectively challenged by those who assert that you lacked capacity at the time the documents were created, that you were subjected to fraud, coercion or undue influence during the creation and implementation of your plan.
Search LawInfo's Estate Planning Resources

Additional Estate Planning FAQs

  • Q: What Is Estate Planning?
    A: Estate planning is a process to consider alternatives for, to think through, and to set up legally effective arrangements that would meet your specific wishes if … More
  • Q: How to Obtain a Death Ceritifcate
    A: When you are helping to wrap up the affairs of the deceased, you will probably need a death certificate to get access to bank accounts, safety deposit boxes and … More
  • Q: What Sorts Of Instructions Are Made As Part Of An Estate Plan?
    A: An estate plan consists of one or more documents that set forth instructions. Some documents are used to control health care decisions, others control your property in … More
  • Q: What are Some Typical Estate Planning Documents?
    A: Several of the following documents are typically used as part of the estate planning process:   A Will, sometimes called a Last Will and Testament, to transfer … More
  • Q: How Can I Reduce My Estate Tax Upon My Death?
    A: Federal Estate Taxes are only charged against Estates with net values in excess of the amount set by the law in place at the time of the person's death.  The … More
  • Q: What Is A Will?
    A: A Will is a written instrument containing directions for how the property of the person making the Will (called the testator) shall be divided on his or her death. … More
  • Q: What Is A Trust?
    A: A trust is a fictitious legal entity that owns assets for the benefit of a third person (beneficiary). The Grantor of the Trust is the person who set up and gave … More
  • Q: What Is The Difference Between A Will And A Trust?
    A: A Will and a Trust serve different purposes. Most people don`t have either one. A Will and a Trust are similar in the effect that both let you designate exactly how … More
  • Q: What Happens If A Person Dies Without A Will?
    A: If a person dies without a Will, he/she will be considered to have died intestate. In this case, property will be distributed by the states laws. Often, the surviving … More
  • Q: What Is A Durable Power Of Attorney For Health Care?
    A: The durable power of attorney for health care is a document that allows you to name another person to make certain medical decisions for you if you are unable to make … More
1 2 >>

Estate Planning Sub-categories

Trusts Wills

Estate Planning Videos

Long-Term Care Insurance

Change Your Location

Enter Your New Location:


(e.g., San Diego, CA or 92121 or 619)

Based on your IP Address, your default location is:

  • Area Code: 703
  • City: Ashburn
  • State: VA