Begin planning early, no matter what your current state of health may be.

Make a will either with private counsel or through a service organization.

When making a will, remember artists' estates are unique and that special concerns must be addressed. (See LEGAL ISSUES)

Find a person who has a sympathetic relationship to your work and who is knowledgeable in your field to be the Executor or Trustee of your work.

Friends and family may not be able to make informed decisions as to the special needs of your art.

Keep a complete inventory of both work in your own possession and of work in the outside world. Organize your work and document it.

Avoid vague bequests of art in your will. Bequests should be as specific as possible to avoid confusion and delays.

Speak frankly about your wishes with family members to avoid unnecessary will contests.

Take a wide view of potential homes for your work, as placement in museums or through the commercial market is increasingly difficult.

Contact cultural institutions to which you are considering making a bequest to ascertain on what terms the gift will be accepted.