I like to break down Estate Planning into two parts:

First, it’s planning to make sure your wishes are followed while you are still living in the event you are mentally incapacitated and unable to make your own financial and healthcare decisions.  Documents to consider are Durable Powers of Attorney for finances and health care, a Living Will (or Advance Directive) regarding your end-of-life health care wishes, and in rare cases, a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate).

The second part of estate planning involves making sure your wishes are followed regarding how your assets are distributed after your death. Documents you might consider are a Last Will and Testament or Revocable Living Trust. In some situations, if no real estate is involved, it may be enough to simply name payable-on-death (POD) beneficiaries on any assets or accounts you own. 

The type of estate plan that works best for you will depend on your asset situation and your wishes. The complexity of your estate plan usually depends on your wishes, not the amount of assets you have. I enjoy working with individuals of all ages to help them figure out the simplest, most cost-effective way to ensure their wishes are met—both while they are living, and after they die.