Estate planners often begin by having their clients complete a detailed checklist about themselves and their interests. Then, with facts gleaned and some intent discovered, the planner moves to the primary question: "How would you want your property disposed of if something happened to you?"

Hopefully, the client will know. People who recognize their mortality also thoughtfully plan how to give away their estates. They focus on their lives, and then reward those individuals and organizations, such as Pattie A. Clay Foundation, they have come to love. They have no obligations to anyone but themselves and their own strong wishes.

That's why many estate planners suggest that clients carefully review their checklist a second time and answer this question: "Would you like to permanently link your name to your favorite charities?"