Estate, Wills and Trusts

Is probate only a concern for the very well off?

Can I deduct legal fees? What other expenses can be deducted if I incur expense for estate planning?

If I have designated beneficiaries on my accounts, do I need a will? What would happen to my assets if I don’t have a will?

I know a few people who recently set up trust accounts, but I am not really sure why they are needed? What is the purpose and how might they help me? I am 58 and I have grandkids. Until now, I have just been gifting my money in increments.

We are just starting to think about estate planning and it seems like there are a lot of differences that domestic partners need to consider, which married couples do not, so I would like to better understand what problems we might need to worry about?

I am starting to think about our estate, does anyone have a good checklist of things I should consider?

What else is included in an “estate plan” besides a will? If I just have a will, does that capture most of what is involved in an estate plan? thank you