Estate planning involves preparing for the management and distribution of your assets after your death or incapacitation. It is important because it ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes, minimizes taxes and legal fees, and provides peace of mind for both you and your loved ones.

Key documents in estate planning typically include a will, a durable power of attorney, Advance Health Care Directive, and often, various types of trusts. These documents help in managing your assets, healthcare decisions, and financial affairs.

It’s advisable to start estate planning as soon as you have any significant assets or responsibilities. This is often triggered by events like purchasing a home, getting married, or having children. However, it's never too late to start, and plans should be reviewed and updated regularly.

Yes, effective estate planning can significantly reduce taxes. Strategies such as gifting assets during your lifetime, setting up trusts, and charitable donations can minimize estate and gift taxes, ensuring more of your assets go to your beneficiaries.

Without an estate plan, the distribution of your assets will be determined by state laws, which may not align with your wishes. This can also lead to longer, more expensive probate processes and potential conflicts among your heirs. Additionally, without documents like health care directives, decisions about your health care in the event of incapacity might be made without knowing your preferences.

A revocable trust allows you to retain control over the assets and can be altered or revoked at any time during your lifetime. An irrevocable trust, once created, generally cannot be changed, and you relinquish control over the assets placed into it. This distinction impacts asset protection, tax implications, and control over the trust's assets.

It’s recommended to review and possibly update your estate plan every three to five years, or sooner if there are significant life changes such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, a significant change in financial status, or changes in estate law.

No, estate planning is important for everyone, regardless of the size of your estate. It's about protecting your assets, ensuring they are distributed according to your wishes, and making arrangements for your health care and financial affairs if you become incapacitated.

While it is possible to make changes to your will on your own, it is highly advisable to consult with an estate planning attorney. This ensures that changes are legally valid, accurately reflect your current wishes, and do not inadvertently create conflicts or ambiguities in your overall estate plan.