An estate plan should provide for management of your assets and property during any period of incapacity, as well as the payment of final bills and taxes, and the distribution of your remaining assets to your beneficiaries after your death.  The different kinds of assets that make up your estate (such as bank accounts, investment accounts, retirement accounts, life insurance, real property, and any assets in trust) should be coordinated in any well-crafted estate plan so that each of your beneficiaries receives what you intended.  An estate plan may also be crafted to reduce or eliminate estate and income taxes to maximize the value of assets that are distributed to beneficiaries.  Finally, a well-crafted estate plan may also address the need for healthcare decisions to be made on behalf of you and your spouse during any period of incapacity.