History & SocietyScience & TechBiographiesAnimals & NatureGeography & TravelArts & CultureProConGames & QuizzesVideosToday in HistoryDictionaryHistory & Society
  • History
  • Philosophy & Religion
  • Politics, Law & Government
  • Society & Social Issues
Science & Tech
  • Health & Medicine
  • Science
  • Technology
Biographies
  • Browse Biographies
Animals & Nature
  • Birds, Reptiles & Other Vertebrates
  • Environment
  • Fossils & Geologic Time
  • Insects & Other Invertebrates
  • Mammals
  • Plants
Geography & Travel
  • Geography & Travel
Arts & Culture
  • Entertainment & Pop Culture
  • Literature
  • Sports & Recreation
  • Visual Arts
Image GalleriesPodcastsSummariesTop QuestionsBritannica Kids
Britannica Money
Personal Finance
Investing
Trading
Retirement
Companies
Biographies
Finance & the Economy
Britannica Money Logo
About UsPrivacy PolicyTerms & Conditions
© 2026 Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
Retirement

Estate Planning

What Is an Elder Law Attorney?
Retirement
What is an elder law attorney, and when do you need one?
Estate planning, retirement, health care, and more.
What Is a Green Burial?
Retirement
The natural appeal of green burials
Save money and help the planet.

Recently Updated

  • The case for finally making a willOh, what a relief it is.
  • Estate planning checklist: Are the pieces in place?Check it twice.
  • Do I need a will? It’s about more than just your assetsHere’s what to consider.

See All

Charitable remainder trust: An estate-planning tool that supports your retirement and your charities
Live for today; leave for tomorrow.
Community property vs. common-law property: Who owns what?
The blurred line dividing what’s yours, mine, and ours.
Create a lasting impact by leaving a legacy
We all want to be remembered well.
Do I need a will? It’s about more than just your assets
Here’s what to consider.
Estate planning checklist: Are the pieces in place?
Check it twice.
Estate planning strategies for dependents with disabilities
Peace of mind for you and your family.
Executor of a will: Managing an estate from probate to distribution
A complex job, handled step by step.
Heirs, wills, and trusts: Estate planning for beginners
Estate planning isn’t just for the rich.
How to build generational wealth and pass it on
Own your legacy.
How to choose a health care proxy
Don’t leave your wishes up to chance.
Longevity risk: What it is and how to minimize it
Plan for the long haul.
Love your pet to death? Why and how to create a pet trust
Your best friend will thank you.
Making a blended family estate plan? These 7 steps will help
Complex matters need simple solutions.
Powers of attorney: What they are and how they work
Your wish is their command.
Preparing your will: How an attorney can help
You might want to spend the money for a lawyer.
Probate: What to expect when settling an estate
From court review to final distribution.
Revocable vs. irrevocable trust: What’s the difference?
Make sure you’re certain.
Special needs trust: 8 steps to securing a plan for future care
Protect assets without forfeiting government benefits.
The case for finally making a will
Oh, what a relief it is.
The natural appeal of green burials
Save money and help the planet.
Transfer taxes: How gift, estate, and generation-skipping (GST) taxes fit together
A unified system for taxing large transfers of wealth.
What is a beneficiary? Where do I need to designate one?
The short answer: Insurance policies, investment accounts, annuities, and trusts.
What is a living will, and why do you need one?
Don’t make your loved ones guess your wishes.
What is an elder law attorney, and when do you need one?
Estate planning, retirement, health care, and more.
Will vs. living trust: What’s the difference?
Estate planning 101.
You’ve inherited an IRA. Do you have to take required minimum distributions?
It’s time for some next-level estate planning.
SUBSCRIBE