If you're visiting this section, you've gotten over the first obstacle to estate planning: the temptation to procrastinate. You are now taking control of the future and reserving the right to make decisions to protect your family.

Some of your most important decisions should be made as soon as possible, by you:

• Name a guardian for your minor children, in the event that both of their parents die.
• Name an executor, who will supervise all the tasks of wrapping up your estate after you die.
• Decide how your assets will be divided after you die.
• Decide if you want to give away assets before you die.