Imagine building a new home without a set of blueprints-sounds absurd, doesn't it? It's no different than creating an estate plan without establishing planning goals, but far too often people engage in estate planning without thinking about what they want to accomplish. In Secure Your Legacy, attorney Richard J. Shapiro tackles the daunting aspects of estate planning and elder law. He answers questions such as: • How do you determine if you need a will or a trust (or both)? • What's the difference between a revocable and irrevocable trust? • How do you protect assets if you need long-term care? • How do you reduce your exposure to estate taxes? He also shares tips on planning for a child with special needs, transferring a business, and ensuring a beloved pet is taken care of if you die or become incapacitated. He also explains why you should never create an estate plan online. Filled with real-world examples, this guide gives you the critical information you need to work with an attorney to create an estate plan that protects you and your loved ones.