A will provides the peace of mind that comes from planning to pass on the fruits of your life’s labor to your loved ones. Without a will, the probate court will decide how your assets are to be distributed and, if minor children are involved, with whom they will live.

A trust is a legal entity that is central to a three-part agreement in which an individual — the trust’s “grantor” — transfers the legal title to an asset to that trust for the purpose of benefiting one or more beneficiaries. The trust is managed by one or more trustees. Trusts may be revocable or irrevocable and are sometimes included as part of a will.

Have you implemented estate planning strategies to help pass along more of your wealth to your heirs? If not, this article will motivate you to do so.

Although the thought may not be pleasant, you may someday face a sudden health crisis that leaves you unable to make your own medical decisions. Fortunately, there is a legal means, known as an advance directive, to address this potential concern.