Titles in the series are listed following the last narrative section of each document. Reading the documents in this series will improve your understanding of estate planning tools and alternatives, and make it easier to communicate with your attorney, accountant, and other helpers when your estate plan is prepared. While the information contained in this document is thought to be accurate, it should not be used as a substitute for legal advice on matters related to business organization, taxation, estate planning, gifting of assets, life insurance, or other business and financial management matters. Consult with your legal and tax advisers before making decisions.
Estate planning is an important part of decision making in personal and business management.
It is also an activity that most individuals participate in only a few times during a lifetime. Like most specialized activities, estate planning has its own terminology. At times, limited familiarity with that terminology can be a barrier to communication between the typical citizen and his or her legal and tax advisers. This glossary provides brief definitions of terms frequently used in estate planning. Careful reading will give you a basis for understanding most of the terms used by persons who will assist you in your estate planning activities, and will help you use their time and expertise more effectively.