New to Estate Planning? Start Here! Trust & Will's Estate Planning Guide for Beginners

Estate planning can feel overwhelming—but it doesn't have to be. Whether you're just starting to think about getting your affairs in order or you want to fill in the gaps in your existing plan, Estate Planning University is designed to meet you where you are.

This is your self-guided learning path through everything you need to know about estate planning. We've curated our best, most trusted resources into six focused chapters—so instead of searching for answers, you can move through them step by step, at your own pace.

No legal background required. Just a desire to protect the people you love.

How Estate Planning University Works

Each chapter covers one core aspect of estate planning and links out to in-depth articles on every topic within it. You can read them in order for a comprehensive education, or jump to the chapter that addresses what's most relevant to you right now.

Think of it as a college course—but one you can complete in an afternoon, or return to chapter by chapter over time.

What You'll Learn

Chapter 1: Why Estate Planning Matters (for Everyone)

The "why" before the "how." This chapter lays the foundation by explaining what estate planning actually is, why everyone needs it regardless of age or wealth, and what happens when you don't have a plan in place. Start here if you're new to estate planning.

Recommended readings in this chapter:

• What estate planning actually covers—and what it doesn't

• Why everyone needs a plan, regardless of age or wealth

• What happens when someone dies without one

• The most common myths and mistakes that keep people from getting started

• Real-world cautionary tales from famous estates gone wrong

Chapter 2: The Core Estate Planning Documents

A clear-eyed look at the essential documents that make up a complete estate plan — from wills and trusts to healthcare directives and powers of attorney. This chapter answers the question: "What do I actually need?"

Recommended readings in this chapter:

• The five documents every complete estate plan should include

• What happens to your assets if you die without a will

• How power of attorney works—and why it matters while you're alive

• The healthcare documents that protect your medical wishes

• Will vs. trust: the key differences and how to choose

Chapter 3: Wills: The Foundation of Your Plan

Everything you need to know about wills: what they are, how they work, how to make one, and what happens when someone dies without one. This chapter is for anyone who has ever wondered whether a will is enough.

Recommended readings in this chapter:

• What a will covers—what it can and can't do

• How to prepare: the key decisions to make before you sit down to write one

• Who your beneficiaries are and how to name them correctly

• How to document your final arrangement wishes

• What probate is and how wills interact with it

• Joint and mutual wills for couples

Chapter 4: Trusts: Adding Flexibility and Control

Trusts are one of the most powerful estate planning tools available, but they're also one of the most misunderstood. This chapter explains when a trust makes sense, what types exist, and how to set one up. This chapter is for those ready to go beyond the basics.

Recommended readings in this chapter:

• What a trust is and how it differs from a will

• When a trust makes more sense—and when it doesn't

• Revocable vs. irrevocable: the key differences

• How to fund a trust once it's created

• How to set up a family trust, step by step

• Special needs trusts for loved ones with disabilities

Chapter 5: The People Who Carry Out Your Plan

Your estate plan is only as strong as the people you designate to carry it out. This chapter covers executors, trustees, guardians, and power of attorney agents — who they are, what they do, and how to choose wisely. Essential reading before you name anyone in your plan.

Recommended readings in this chapter:

• The four key roles in an estate plan and what each one does

• How to choose a guardian for your minor children

• What an executor actually does—and what to look for when choosing one

• Trustee duties and responsibilities

• When a professional trustee makes more sense than a family member

• The different types of power of attorney and when each applies

Chapter 6: Your Estate Plan for Life

Estate planning isn't a one-time event — it's a lifelong practice. This chapter covers how to keep your plan current, when to review it (and why every 3–4 years is the rule of thumb), which life changes should trigger an immediate update, and how to make ongoing protection as easy as possible. This is where knowledge becomes a habit.

Recommended readings in this chapter:

• What to do immediately after your estate plan is signed

• How often to review your plan—and why every 3–4 years is the benchmark

• Life events that should trigger an immediate update (marriage, divorce, new child, and more)

• How to plan for your digital assets and online accounts

• Estate planning considerations for aging parents and college-age children

• How Trust & Will membership makes lifelong protection easy

Ready to Start?

Begin with Chapter 1: Why Estate Planning Matters →

Already know the basics? Jump to the chapter that matters most to you right now.

Estate Planning University is brought to you by Trust & Will — the most trusted name in online estate planning. Our Learn Center articles are reviewed by estate planning professionals and updated regularly to reflect current laws and best practices.