Why you need a will? -- What to include in your will -- Choosing your executor/personal representative -- Planning for your children -- Taking care of your other children: your pets -- I will cut you out of my will! -- Living trusts and other ways to avoid probate -- Advance directives: planning for incapacity -- Preserving what you have for your heirs instead of giving it to the government -- Advanced planning for alternative partnerships -- Probate -- Appendixes. A. Glossary ; B. Charts ; C. Checklists -- Additional resources