The best time is before you think you need one.

Every adult should have basic incapacity documents, and most homeowners and parents benefit from a comprehensive estate plan.

It’s a good idea to review your plan after:

• Marriage

• Divorce

• Birth or adoption

• Death of a beneficiary or fiduciary

• Significant financial changes

• Moving to a new state

Probate is the court-supervised process for transferring assets after death. Thoughtful planning can often reduce or avoid probate for many assets.