All of us have an estate to pass on, regardless of size and composition. While we understand the importance of having our finances and legal affairs in good order for our heirs, many do not take the time. Unless you would like the government to determine who gets your estate, we recommend creating a comprehensive estate plan. Estate planning is not something we like to think about; however, we owe it to the people we care most about to leave things well organized. Estate planning is more than simply preparing a will. It begins with reviewing your overall situation and listing your assets and liabilities. Assets include such things as your residence, investments, and life insurance. Liabilities include items such as your mortgage, taxes due at death and funeral expenses. You should review your will periodically to ensure it is current and easy to understand so that your wishes are clear and can be carried out properly.