Once you take the first couple of steps, if often becomes an easy process.

You may only need a few documents to get your estate plan underway but people often delay because of the concern of complications, according to Forbes in "More Than Half of Americans Don't Have These Essential Estate Documents, Do You?"

The first two documents you need deal with your end-of-life health care. A living will lets doctors know whether to extend your life when you are terminally ill and unable to tell them for yourself. A health care power of attorney lets you appoint someone to make your health care decisions, when you are unable to do so.

Next, you will need a general durable power of attorney that will let you appoint someone to handle your finances when you cannot do so.

Once you have those basic documents, it is time to get a will and/or a trust. A will lets you determine who gets your property. A trust can do the same thing, but through a different legal process.

An estate planning attorney can advise you on creating an estate plan that meets your unique circumstances, including a will or trust.

Reference: Forbes (Jan. 26, 2018) "More Than Half of Americans Don't Have These Essential Estate Documents, Do You?"