While the fundamental rules are the same for estates of those who died in 2012 and those who die this year, some of the important numbers are different. For example, the exemption amount (the value of property that can be transferred free of estate tax) in 2013 is $5.25 million; it was $5.12 million in 2012.
A joint tenancy in real property in the name of both husband and wife. On the death of one tenant, the survivor receives entire interest.