No one wants to dwell on it, but death is an inevitable part of life. Once you plan for its eventuality, you may rest easy with the hope that your family will be taken care of after your death.

Concern for the future can pose several important questions. Will your family be financially secure? Who will take care of minor children if you and your spouse die? How will taxes affect your estate?

To whom you leave your money is a very personal decision, and one of the most difficult steps in the estate planning process is deciding who gets what. When considering possible beneficiaries, perhaps the toughest question involves the division of assets among children. In addition to working through the emotional aspects of family relationships, trying to balance needs and fairness can be difficult. Thinking about your options now, may make life easier for your loved ones.