A comprehensive estate plan generally contains a number of documents aimed at achieving the following purposes:

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• Distributing property to beneficiaries upon the death of an individual pursuant to their written wishes

• Designating beneficiaries to receive property without opening a probate estate

• Designating an agent to make financial decisions in the event of incapacitation

• Providing protection for special needs beneficiaries

• Minimizing tax liability upon the transfer of property after death

• Shielding assets from Medicaid recovery

• Keeping your estate out of probate court