Q: How is estate planning like baseball?

A: You start by assembling your team of superstar players by choosing the best people to serve as your executor/trustee, power of attorney, healthcare agent, guardian of your children, etc. They’ll work together to carry out the goal of scoring as many runs as possible (maximizing assets) while giving up as few runs as possible (minimizing debts and liabilities). Practice is important to avoid any costly errors on the field, so educate your loved ones about your wishes and how to manage your assets. Complying with state and federal laws regarding wills, trusts, and estate taxes can be as complicated as understanding how the pitch clock, no-shift rule and ground-rule doubles work, so a great attorney can make sure you and your family don’t ever get caught in a pickle. Finally, keep your eye on the ball by regularly reviewing and updating your plan to avoid any unexpected curve balls when you’re looking for the fastball. With the right game plan, the right team, and practice, you can ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes so that your beneficiaries can continue playing the game (and winning) even after you’re gone.