Investopedia:  “Estate planning is more than simply having a will. It is a continuous planning process done to alleviate the financial impact of your death on those you leave behind. By spending just a few hours and dollars now, you can save your loved ones or beneficiaries from paying as much as a 55% estate tax. But a well-constructed estate plan may not only reduce the tax bill, but also help your loved ones understand, resolve and prepare for many of the issues that arise when settling an estate. We'll show you where to start.”