This textbook was written specifically to help master the complex area of estate planning and prepare for the CFP® Certification Examination, while also presenting experience-based guidance that is directly applicable in professional practice. The authors, Carolynn B. Tomin, CFP®, and Colleen Carcone, JD, CFP®, fully address all of the CFP® Certification Examination Principal Topics for Estate Planning. The book includes the following that create a comprehensive guide to helping clients create an estate plan.

• “Learning Objectives” in each chapter that provide topic focus
• “Client Situations” present practice scenarios and illustrate the practical application of key concepts in client situations
• “Practitioner Tips” provide practical advice and guidance
• “Practice Standards” highlight the related steps in the financial planning process from CFP Board’s “Standards of Professional Conduct”
• Chapter summaries, key terms, and review questions that aid recall, retention, and review of the topics
• Content that is systematically organized into subtopics to help simplify the understanding and retention of complex material

New in the 4th Edition:

• Updated to reflect the latest tax code laws, rates, and exemptions enacted with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
• Thoughtful analysis of the income tax considerations that may come into play when developing a client’s estate plan
• “Practice Standards” that highlight the related steps in the financial planning process from CFP Board’s “Standards of Professional Conduct”

Topics Covered:

• The importance of having and actively maintaining an estate plan
• The steps involved in the estate planning process
• Estate management tools
• Updated tax rates and gift tax limits
• And More! See the “Table of Contents” section for a full list of topics