Estate planning involves the tax efficient transfer of accumulated wealth to a designated recipient, usually an heir.  State law governs most transfer mechanisms. Property transfer mechanisms include a simple or complex will, a revocable living trust, and will substitutes.

Probate and probate administration is a mechanism to handle the distribution of property. Two common alternatives to probate are joint tenancy and living trusts. Intestate succession laws vary: many are modeled on the Uniform Probate Code. The two statutory methods to distribute intestate property are per stirpes or per capita.