1. Making your own will -- What a will can do for you -- Dying without a will -- The human element -- How to get the most from this book -- Will you need a lawyer? -- A look at a basic will -- 2. An overview of wills -- How to make a valid will -- Types of wills -- Explanatory letters -- What happens to your property after you die -- 3. Special property rules for married people -- Community property states -- Common law states -- If you move to another state -- 4. Taking inventory of your property -- List and describe your property (column 1) -- State how your property is owned (column 2) -- List your percentage of shared property (column 3) -- Estimate the net value of your property (column 4) -- 5. Your beneficiaries -- Types of beneficiaries -- Putting restrictions on beneficiaries -- Deciding how to leave your property -- Naming beneficiaries to share gifts -- Naming alternate beneficiaries -- Naming residuary beneficiaries -- Explaining your gifts -- Survivorship periods -- Simultaneous death -- Using the beneficiary worksheet -- Disinheritance -- Property you no longer own at your death -- 6. Choosing your executor -- Responsibilities of an executor -- How to choose your executor -- Naming a alternate executor -- Naming an executor for another state -- Executor worksheet -- 7. Children -- Providing for your minor children -- Custody of your minor child -- Management of your children's property -- How to use the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act in your will -- How to create a family pot trust or child's trust -- Choosing a property guardian -- Leaving property to the children of others -- 8. Debts and taxes -- When to bother about last debts and taxes -- Who pays debts after your death? -- Choosing specific assets to pay debts -- State and federal death taxes -- 9. Choosing the right will form -- Basic form wills -- What you can accomplish with a basic will -- Making a customized will -- After you've prepared your will -- 10. Making a fill-in the blanks will -- Getting started -- Filling in the will form -- Sample fill-in basic will -- Preparing your final will -- 11. Making a customized will -- How to prepare your will -- Will clauses -- 12. Making your will legal -- Signing and witnessing your will -- "Self-proving" wills : using a notary public -- After your will is completed -- 13. Changing or revoking your will -- Revising your will or revoking it -- Making simple changes in your will by codicil -- Revoking your will -- 14. Estate planning -- Probate -- Probate avoidance methods -- Estate taxes -- Placing controls on property -- Planning for incapacity -- Making final arrangements -- 15. Lawyers and doing your own legal research -- Working with a lawyer -- Doing your own research -- Legal information online -- Glossary.