Q: What is an estate?
Q: What is a will?
Q: How can I revise my will?
Q: What is a trust?
Q: What is a probate estate?
Q: What is the federal estate tax (or death tax)?
Q: What is a living trust?
Q: What is a conservatorship?
Q: Is asset protection legal?
Q: Do I need an estate attorney when I can write a simple will myself?

Q: What is an estate?

A: Your estate is the total of all property you own or control. Even if you do not own the property in your name, you can possess an ownership interest through a trust, partnership, or joint ownership. Any property or money which becomes available upon death, such as a life insurance payment, is also part of your estate.

Typical portions of an estate include:

• Real estate and buildings.
• Personal property including cash, furniture, vehicles, stocks, art, etc.
• Life insurance and other financial instruments.
• Business interests or partnerships.
• Debts.
• Claims, including personal injury claims.

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