n average, about three out of 10 people die before retirement. Ten out of 10 die eventually. Yet seven out of 10 procrastinate regarding estate planning and die without a will, trust, or other estate-planning documents. Lack of planning can leave big problems, including unnecessary legal expenses and taxes for survivors, and nothing to advance God's work. Some think estate planning will hasten their demise. The opposite is true: studies show that those who engage in careful estate planning may actually live longer than those who don't.

The Trust Services (sometimes called Planned Giving) Department of your local conference or favorite Adventist institution can provide guidance along the often unfamiliar path of estate planning. They have contacts with legal counsel who can draft documents to fit your individual needs.

Here's a brief list of ways to transfer assets to those dependent upon you and to the Lord's work:

Wills-A will gives direction for the disposition of your assets and appoints guardians for your minor children.

Living trusts-A revocable trust allows you to withdraw any or all assets as well as to have full use of your property during your lifetime. At death, the assets flow efficiently to beneficiaries, saving probate and administrative costs. An irrevocable trust generally cannot be changed. Certain types of irrevocable trusts, such as charitable remainder trusts, wholly charitable trusts, and some charitable lead trusts, allow the donor to claim a charitable tax deduction for the estimated present value of the gift that will ultimately pass to the church or other charity.

Charitable gift annuities-A person wishing to support the church makes a gift of cash or marketable property. We reinvest the assets and guarantee to pay the donor a fixed amount for life (and, if desired, for another beneficiary's lifetime). Upon the death of the last beneficiary, the funds are available for the mission of the church.

Charitable annuity trusts-Uncomfortable letting your future retirement dollars ride the ups and downs of the stock and bond markets? Consider an annuity trust. This plan pays a fixed dollar amount every year for the rest of your life, with no investment worries or responsibilities. After your lifetime the remainder is available for the church's work.

Charitable lead trusts-This trust pays out income to the church either for the number of years you specify or for the life of one or more individuals you name. When the term is up, the principal goes to your family, with estate or gift taxes reduced or even eliminated. The lead trust is an exceptional way to transfer property to children or other heirs at minimal tax cost.

Lack of space prohibits us from going into more detail or listing other options. You may secure valuable free general information by visiting the Web site www.willplan.org or calling toll-free from anywhere in North America: 1-877-WILLPLAN.

Trust Services in most Adventist organizations is accredited by the North American Division of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. This means compliance with rigorous standards and regular audits. All Trust Services personnel are legally, morally, and ethically committed to respect all confidential communications.

We're here to help.

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Jeffrey K. Wilson is the director of the General Conference Trust Services.