Create a revocable living trust and transfer assets into it
Add payable-on-death beneficiaries to bank accounts
Add transfer-on-death beneficiaries to brokerage accounts
Use beneficiary designations for retirement accounts and life insurance
Hold real estate as joint tenants with right of survivorship where appropriate
Use transfer-on-death deeds if available in your state
Title vehicles with transfer-on-death designations if available
Keep assets in joint ownership only when it fits your estate plan
Make sure beneficiary forms are current and consistent
Keep account titles and estate documents coordinated
Review and update documents after marriage, divorce, births, deaths, or major asset changes
Use small-estate procedures where available for qualifying assets
Work with an estate planning attorney to ensure proper execution and funding of documents