When planned strategically, you can distribute your assets to your loved ones with as little tax liability as possible. It can also reduce the amount of time your estate spends in probate, which will in turn save your loved ones money in attorney’s fees and court costs. Having a clearly planned estate will also save your family members additional stress and confusion beyond what they will already experience when you suffer a medical emergency or pass away. You can use estate planning documents to indicate which types of medical treatments you would like to accept or refuse, or designate someone to make these decisions for you if you become incapacitated.