12 Essential Tools to Avoid Probate in Estate Planning That’s not a reason to delay planning—it’s simply a reason to review your plans regularly so they evolve with your life. A legacy plan can contain as many components as you wish, including personal letters and videos, but some are essential to the process. Talk to your heirs about what you are doing and why, as they may also have ideas and concerns that impact your legacy plan. Maintain control to preserve your legacy. No matter how much you respect the judgment of a beneficiary or trust their ability to handle finances, the fact is that money can change people. Charitable giving strategies can play an important role in your overall legacy plans but be sure you’re making them for the right reasons. The lifetime gift and estate tax exemption in 2026 is $15 million per individual that may pass tax free. Balancing control through specific language in your estate documents with education and empowerment for your beneficiaries can have probate prevention planning long-term rewards. Specific strategies can be put into place to ensure your wealth is passed on to your surviving spouse, children, grandchildren and subsequent generation Evaluate your portfolio to ensure a balance between risk and reward. For high-net-worth individuals, navigating financial transitions like divorce or significant life changes comes with unique challenges and opportunities. I'm Marty Burbank, a seasoned expert in wealth preservation strategies and elder law. Vanguard's advice services are provided by Vanguard Advisers, Inc. ("VAI"), a registered investment advisor, or by Vanguard National Trust Company ("VNTC"), a federally chartered, limited-purpose trust company. Private investments involve a high degree of risk and, therefore, should be undertaken only by prospective investors capable of evaluating and bearing the risks such an investment represents.