To safeguard your assets from estate taxes, you can employ various strategies in your estate planning. One effective method is making lifetime gifts to heirs, utilizing the annual gift tax exclusion and lifetime gift tax exemption to gradually reduce the taxable estate. Additionally, irrevocable trusts like the Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT) or Grantor Retained Annuity Trust (GRAT) can be established to remove assets from your taxable estate while retaining some benefits or income. Spousal transfers through the unlimited marital deduction enable tax-free asset transfers to a spouse, though it’s crucial to consider potential tax implications upon their passing. Charitable giving and state-specific planning are other avenues to explore, with the guidance of an experienced estate planning attorney, tailored to minimize estate taxes while preserving your wealth for your heirs.