Once there was a businessman, who didn't want to plan. He thought the estate tax was through, and his planning he didn't do. But then he died, his children cried, and his second wife connived. The estate is gone, as the civil case goes on, and on, and on, and on. In beginning the estate planning process, any competent planner will begin by getting to know you.
Planning is for people.
It is not a technician's exercise in efficiency, though it must be efficient. Planning is about you and your values, not about taxes or money or assets. Your assets, money, and tax situation should be aligned with your values, and not the other way around. Many of the writer's clients come to the office to discuss estate and elder issues, and express a concern about the implications of long-term care. They also harbor significant misconceptions.