Protect your family’s futureIf you’re among the millions of Americans without an estate plan, you’re not alone—and you’re probably not sure where to start. The third edition of Wills & Trusts Kit For Dummies cuts through the confusion and gives you a clear path forward. This isn't just another legal manual. It's your roadmap to protecting what you've built and making sure your loved ones are taken care of—without the stress, guesswork, or unnecessary costs.
From basic estate planning fundamentals to modern challenges like digital assets and cryptocurrency, this book covers everything you need to know.
It translates intimidating legal concepts into language you can actually understand, and if you’re still overwhelmed, a step-by-step strategy guide helps you start right where you are. You’ll also get immediate access to online forms, worksheets, and templates you can actually use—not just read about.
Create a will or trust that suits your specific situation (because one-size-fits-all doesn't fit all families)
Learn about developing technologies such as AI-powered estate planning tools, electronic wills, and online notarization
Handle your digital legacy—from social media accounts to Bitcoin wallets
Build a court-ready estate plan using downloadable templates and worksheets
Wills & Trusts Kit For Dummies takes the anxiety out of estate planning and puts you in control. Your family’s future is too important to leave to chance. Start protecting what matters most—today.
By:
Aaron Larson Imprint: For Dummies Country of Publication: United States Edition: 3rd edition Dimensions:
Height: 231mm,
Width: 185mm,
Spine: 33mm
Weight: 567g ISBN:9781394416615 ISBN 10: 139441661X Pages: 416 Publication Date:25 May 2026 Audience:
General/trade
,
ELT Advanced
Format:Paperback Publisher's Status: Active
Introduction 1 Part 1: Getting Started with Your Will or Trust 7 CHAPTER 1: Ensuring That Your Last Wishes Are Honored 9 CHAPTER 2: Making Crucial Decisions 29 CHAPTER 3: Gathering Pertinent Information 47 CHAPTER 4: Planning Your Bequests 59 CHAPTER 5: Providing for Your Children and Dependents 83 CHAPTER 6: Dipping into Your Pocket: The Tax Man (and Others) 93 Part 2: Everything You Need to Know about Wills 113 CHAPTER 7: Writing and Signing a Will 115 CHAPTER 8: Navigating the Land Mines 135 CHAPTER 9: When You Already Have a Will 155 CHAPTER 10: Estate Administration: What Happens in Probate Court 167 Part 3: Trust Me! How Trusts Work 181 CHAPTER 11: The Anatomy of a Trust 183 CHAPTER 12: Dead or Alive: Picking Your Trust 197 CHAPTER 13: When You Already Have a Trust 219 Part 4: Carrying Out the Intent of Your Will and Trust 229 CHAPTER 14: Planning for Your Incapacity 231 CHAPTER 15: Those Cushy Retirement Funds 255 CHAPTER 16: Life Insurance: Making Sure It Doesn't Backfire 269 CHAPTER 17: Your Castle: How It's Owned Makes a Huge Difference 281 Part 5: The Part of Tens 295 CHAPTER 18: Ten Common Will Mistakes 297 CHAPTER 19: Ten Reasons to Have a Trust 305 CHAPTER 20: Ten Tax Traps to Avoid When Planning Your Estate 313 Part 6: Appendixes 321 APPENDIX A: State Signing Requirements 323 APPENDIX B: State Inheritance Taxes 343 APPENDIX C: Estate Planning Worksheet 347 Index 371
Aaron Larson is an attorney focusing on civil appeals and producing self-help resources. He previously developed estate planning education programs for lawyers at the Institute of Continuing Legal Education.