For those who have not yet begun developing an estate plan, the process can sometimes seem daunting. Many people have various financial accounts, including 401ks from old jobs, life insurance policies, and other potential future estates assets that they do not regularly think about. But all you need to get started is a desire to put your affairs in order for the future.

To help determine how to best approach your estate planning, it's important to think about what tools will best suit your needs and what steps you may have already taken to move you along in this process. The following are some common considerations when individuals are in the early stages of developing an estate plan.

Do you have a will? A will is often the most central estate planning document. Even if you may not have a need for trusts, or other planning tools, a will is a good place to start. For your will have you considered who you would like to be the executor of your estate? If you have minor children your will can be used to name a guardian, have you considered who you would like to serve as a guardian if you are unable?

In addition to a will there are several other documents that many people decide are an important piece of their estate plan. Do you have a living will or healthcare proxy? These documents can be vital if you are incapacitated due to declining health or other medical situation.

There are of course a wide variety of other tools that can protect your assets, reduce potential taxes and help provide for your loved ones after you are gone. An experienced estate planner can help you devise a plan that will make the best use of all these tools.

Source: U.S. News "Questions to Ask When Drafting an Estate Plan," Rob Tendler, Dec. 12, 2011