Estate Planning

Getting Started

The following documents should be included in your estate plan:

wills

Will

This legal document tells who will manage your estate.

letter of instruction

Letter of Instructions

This informal document addresses financial and personal matters that must be attended to after your death.

medical directives

Advance Directive

These documents refer to health care directives, living wills, health care (medical) powers of attorney, and other personalized directives.

power of attorney

Power of Attorney

This document delegates the power to legally handle your financial affairs should you become disabled or incapacitated.

Voices

Jonathan Pond

Is My Will Still Valid?

By Jonathan D. Pond

Financial adviser Jonathan Pond suggests when to review or redo your will and other estate-planning documents.

Tools

estate tax planning calculator

Estate Tax Planning Calculator

This calculator can help estimate your estate tax liability.

charitable giving calculator

Charitable Giving Calculator

Enter your donation amount and federal tax rate to determine your tax savings.

AARP Resources

AARP Legal Services Network

AARP members and their spouses or partners can access a large directory of lawyers, which can help with legal matters such as wills.

AARP Books

Book: estate planning

AARP Crash Course in Estate Planning

Lawyer Michael Palermo steers novices through the estate-planning wilderness.

Handing Off the Checkbook

By Tamara E. Holmes

If you are struggling with finances, here are five ways your family can help.

document with pen

The Truth About Living Trusts

By AARP Education & Outreach

Just like a will, a revocable living trust is a written document that lets you direct how your property will pass after your death. Unlike a will, it also directs how you want your property managed during any disability.

couple finances

Getting Your Will Right

By Martha M. Hamilton

You may need legal help with your will in order to have things turn out the way you want.

From the Online Community

Group: Retirement Possibilities

Group: Retirement Possibilities
Discuss how you envision your retirement.
Join Group

Group: Living Wills and Other Directives

Group: Living Wills
Share ideas about how to approach family or friends about this topic.
Join Group

Choice of a Lifetime

By Joe Vidueira

Most people consider a will the best tool to make their wishes known to relatives and to have those wishes carried out. Sometimes a living trust, alone or in combination with a will, offers a better solution.

Frequently Asked Questions About Power of Attorney

By AARP Education & Outreach

The power of attorney allows you to pick someone you trust to handle your affairs if you cannot do so yourself.

Inheritance Tips

By AARP Education & Outreach

If you are fortunate enough to receive an inheritance, make the most of it. Here are some tips on how to manage the money.

Checklist: What to Do After a Spouse Dies

By AARP Education & Outreach

Learn which financial steps you should take following the death of a spouse.

Your Estate-Planning Team

By AARP Education & Outreach

Estate planning is a complex task. To do it right, you may need to seek the advice of more than one expert.

AARP Financial Benefits

Financial Guidance in a Volatile Market

Member Benefits: Chart

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