Don't consider estate planning a prelude to death, it isn't. It is a responsible action that helps you and your family. Once you have completed estate planning, review it every few years. Ask your lawyer to keep you posted on any new developments in the law. Don't listen to the grapevine Finally, don't do estate planning on the basis of what a friend or neighbor has done, or on advice you hear over the radio or on the Internet.
Every case is different, and estate planning is an area in which misinformation abounds.
Seek professional assistance. Robert H. Louis is a member of the Pennsylvania and New Jersey bars, and is a frequent lecturer and author on tax, estate planning and employee benefits topics. He also serves as president of the Philadelphia Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts. Along with several co-authors, he is working on a book titled Estate Planning for Artists. Subscription Services Dept.