Book excerpt: What happens to your estate after you are gone is very much within your control. Estate planning is not only for the wealthy; it is for everyone. It is simply the process of deciding where your assets are to be distributed after your death. For those people who wish to preserve their assets for designated purposes âe" such as family or special charities âe" it becomes necessary to make special advance preparations. The right plan can protect the value of your estate and spare your loved ones unnecessary hassles and legal conflicts. The Complete Guide to Planning Your Estate in North Carolina will help you glide through this complicated process. This new book has been adapted to offer North Carolina residents state-specific advice for estate planning. Coauthors Linda C. Ashar, attorney at law, and Sandy Baker have crafted an estate planning primer, allowing North Carolina residents to become more informed and more involved during the process. North Carolina-specific information is offered throughout this book, including: North Carolinaâe~s probate code; North Carolina rules, regulations, and laws specific to estate planning; elements of a valid North Carolina will; planning your living will in North Carolina, and explanations of North Carolina laws regarding durable health care power of attorneys, do not resuscitate (DNR) orders, and directives to withhold CPR. The bookâe(tm)s easy-to-under- stand context clarifies this complicated and sensitive subject and gives readers the power to take control of their future. Atlantic Publishing is a small, independent publishing company based in Ocala, Florida. Founded over twenty years ago in the company presidentâe(tm)s garage, Atlantic Publishing has grown to become a renowned resource for non-fiction books. Today, over 450 titles are in print covering subjects such as small business, healthy living, management, finance, careers, and real estate. Atlantic Publishing prides itself on producing award winning, high-quality manuals that give readers up-to-date, pertinent information, real-world examples, and case studies with expert advice. Every book has resources, contact information, and web sites of the products or companies discussed.