For many people, estate planning can seem like a complex and intimidating process. With so many nuances in state and federal laws, it can be difficult to understand the tax implications associated with estate planning decisions.

When we think about wills, many of us assume they're only necessary for the wealthy. The reality, however, is that a will is an essential legal document for anyone who owns anything of value—whether that’s a car, a house, or even a prized art collection.

Many people use the terms “will” and “trust” interchangeably, but these documents are very different. In many cases, it’s wise to set up both a will and a trust as components of a comprehensive estate plan.