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Revocable Living TrustCreate a revocable living trust to avoid probate, protect privacy, and control asset distribution.Last Will and TestamentName your heirs, guardians, and final wishes. Free for every state.Pour-Over WillCatch anything outside your trust. Pairs with your revocable trust.Healthcare Power of AttorneyName someone to make medical decisions if you can't.Financial Power of AttorneyName someone to manage your finances if you can't.Transfer on Death DeedTransfer real property to a beneficiary upon your death without probate. Available in 34 states and the District of Columbia.Vehicle Transfer on DeathName a beneficiary to inherit your vehicle at death without probate. Available in 26 states and the District of Columbia.Living WillState in advance which life-sustaining treatments you want or refuse, in the document your state recognizes, with signing instructions from the statute.

EIN ApplicationGet the tax ID number (EIN) banks require to open an estate account or trust account after someone dies.Petition for Probate and LettersOpen probate and ask the court to appoint you and issue Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.Notice to CreditorsNotify estate creditors and start the claim period — the published notice plus mailed copies for known creditors.Renunciation of ExecutorDecline an appointment as executor named in a will — the writing filed with the court before anyone is appointed.Affidavit of HeirshipPrepare the sworn statement of a deceased person's family history and heirs for recording in the county land records, with your state's recording instructions.Small Estate AffidavitCollect a small estate's property without probate — the sworn affidavit presented to banks and other holders, with a presentation letter for each.Estate InventoryPrepare the probate inventory of estate property — every asset at its date-of-death value, composed to your state's statute, with the state's filing or delivery instructions.Estate ClosingPrepare the paperwork that closes the estate — the state's closing statement, petition for discharge, or final account, with the state's closing instructions and the optional federal forms.Letter of InstructionPrepare the letter a bank or insurer requests during estate settlement, addressed to its claims department.Digital Assets Recovery LetterPrepare a letter requesting a deceased person's online accounts, points, and balances from the program that holds them.

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I'm planning ahead

Estate Planning Cost CalculatorCompare costs across estate planning providers including online services and attorneys.Revocable Living Trust Cost CalculatorCompare revocable living trust costs across providers including online services and attorneys.Will Cost CalculatorCompare will costs across providers plus probate costs your heirs will pay.Life Insurance CalculatorCalculate your life insurance needs based on income, debts, and family situation.Beneficiary Designation CheckerCheck how divorce, creditors, and state laws affect your beneficiary designations.State Estate Law GuideSee probate costs, will requirements, trust rules, and intestacy laws for your state.Estate Planning Service ComparisonCompare what it costs to make a trust official across SimplyTrust, LegalZoom, Trust & Will, Rocket Lawyer, and Quicken WillMaker.Name a Guardian GuideSee how a parent names a guardian for their minor children, what weight the court gives your choice, and your options for temporary care.Burial & Cremation Law GuideSee who controls final arrangements, cremation and burial rules, and what your state allows.Signing Requirements CheckerFind witness, notary, and remote signing requirements for all 50 states.Document Portability CheckerCheck if estate planning documents signed in one state are valid in another.Trust Need AssessmentFind out if a revocable trust makes sense based on your state, estate value, and family situation.TOD Deed AssessmentFind out if a transfer on death deed can keep your property out of probate.Vehicle TOD AssessmentFind out if you can name a beneficiary on your vehicle title to skip probate.Trust Account Opening GuideCompare trust-account requirements bank by bank: how a revocable trust account is opened or retitled, and what proves the trust.Trust or Will Decision ToolCompare the cost of probate vs a trust for your state and estate value.

I'm inheriting

Who Inherits CalculatorFind out who inherits your estate and how much they get if you die without a will.Estate & Inheritance Tax CalculatorCalculate federal estate tax, state estate tax, and inheritance tax for an estate.Inheritance Tax GuideInheritance tax by state, federal tax on inheritance, and timeline estimates for receiving money, property, or retirement assets.Step-Up Basis CalculatorCalculate the new cost basis on inherited assets under IRC § 1014 and project capital gains tax savings.Inherited IRA Withdrawal RulesSee which federal withdrawal rules apply to an inherited IRA, Roth IRA, or employer plan, the deadline year, and the missed-withdrawal tax.Post-Death Tax Filing GuideFind out which tax returns need to be filed after someone dies and whether tax clearance is required.

Someone I love died

Death Certificate CalculatorCalculate how many certified death certificates you need and see ordering info for your state.Probate Decision ToolFind out if an estate needs probate or qualifies for simplified procedures.Estate Settlement PlanPersonalized plan for settling an estate after someone passes away.What to Do When Someone Dies ChecklistA step-by-step checklist for the days, weeks, and months after a death, with state rules noted where they apply.

I'm an executor

Probate Cost CalculatorEstimate attorney fees, executor fees, court costs, and timeline for probating an estate.Executor Fee CalculatorCalculate how much an executor can charge for administering an estate.Self-File Probate AssessmentWhether your state lets you open probate yourself, and what it costs with a lawyer and without one.Executor Appointment GuideSee the court, petition, bond, and documents needed to be appointed and receive your Letters.Creditor Claims DeadlinesFind creditor claim deadlines, notice requirements, and payment priority order for your state.Insolvent Estate CalculatorSee the order your state pays an insolvent estate's debts and which claims go unpaid.Estate Account Opening GuideCompare estate-account opening requirements bank by bank: channels, required documents, and steps.Personal Property Value EstimatorEstimate the fair market value of household items for probate and see how it affects fees.

I'm a trustee

Trustee Compensation CalculatorFind out what fair compensation looks like for serving as trustee.Trust Settlement PlanPersonalized plan for settling a trust after the grantor passes away.

I'm inheriting

Who Inherits CalculatorFind out who inherits your estate and how much they get if you die without a will.Estate & Inheritance Tax CalculatorCalculate federal estate tax, state estate tax, and inheritance tax for an estate.Inheritance Tax GuideInheritance tax by state, federal tax on inheritance, and timeline estimates for receiving money, property, or retirement assets.Step-Up Basis CalculatorCalculate the new cost basis on inherited assets under IRC § 1014 and project capital gains tax savings.Inherited IRA Withdrawal RulesSee which federal withdrawal rules apply to an inherited IRA, Roth IRA, or employer plan, the deadline year, and the missed-withdrawal tax.Post-Death Tax Filing GuideFind out which tax returns need to be filed after someone dies and whether tax clearance is required.

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State Benefit Programs

Medicaid Estate Recovery Unclaimed Property Unemployment Benefits Public Pensions Vital Records

Federal Agencies

Administration for Community Living (ACL)Black Lung Benefits Program Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS)Defense Health Agency (DHA)Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)DOD Casualty Assistance Program Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)Energy Employees Occupational Illness Program (EEOICPA)Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)Federal Communications Commission (FCC)Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)Federal Election Commission (FEC)Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)Federal Student Aid (FSA)Federal Trade Commission (FTC)Indian Health Service (IHS)Internal Revenue Service (IRS)National Credit Union Administration (NCUA)National Personnel Records Center (NPRC)National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps Office of Personnel Management (OPM)Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC)Radiation Exposure Compensation Program (RECA)Railroad Retirement Board (RRB)September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (9/11 VCF)Social Security Administration (SSA)Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)Transportation Security Administration (TSA)U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)U.S. Coast Guard Casualty Assistance Program U.S. Copyright Office U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)U.S. Department of State U.S. Department of the Treasury U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (PHS)U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)United States Postal Service (USPS)USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA)

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Estate Planning Estate Settlement All articles

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Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut District of Columbia Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

Articles

Articles News Life Events

Forms

Revocable Living Trust Last Will and Testament Pour-Over Will Healthcare Power of Attorney Financial Power of Attorney Transfer on Death Deed Vehicle Transfer on Death Living Will EIN Application Petition for Probate and Letters Notice to Creditors Renunciation of Executor Affidavit of Heirship Small Estate Affidavit Estate Inventory Estate Closing Letter of Instruction Digital Assets Recovery Letter

I'm planning ahead

Estate Planning Cost Calculator Revocable Living Trust Cost Calculator Will Cost Calculator Life Insurance Calculator Beneficiary Designation Checker State Estate Law Guide Estate Planning Service Comparison Name a Guardian Guide Burial & Cremation Law Guide Signing Requirements Checker Document Portability Checker Trust Need Assessment TOD Deed Assessment Vehicle TOD Assessment Trust Account Opening Guide Trust or Will Decision Tool

I'm inheriting

Who Inherits Calculator Estate & Inheritance Tax Calculator Inheritance Tax Guide Step-Up Basis Calculator Inherited IRA Withdrawal Rules Post-Death Tax Filing Guide

Someone I love died

Death Certificate Calculator Probate Decision Tool Estate Settlement Plan What to Do When Someone Dies Checklist

I'm an executor

Probate Cost Calculator Executor Fee Calculator Self-File Probate Assessment Executor Appointment Guide Creditor Claims Deadlines Insolvent Estate Calculator Estate Account Opening Guide Personal Property Value Estimator

I'm a trustee

Trustee Compensation Calculator Trust Settlement Plan

I'm inheriting

Who Inherits Calculator Estate & Inheritance Tax Calculator Inheritance Tax Guide Step-Up Basis Calculator Inherited IRA Withdrawal Rules Post-Death Tax Filing Guide

State Benefit Programs

Medicaid Estate Recovery Unclaimed Property Unemployment Benefits Public Pensions Vital Records

Federal Agencies

Administration for Community Living (ACL)Black Lung Benefits Program Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS)Defense Health Agency (DHA)Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)DOD Casualty Assistance Program Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)Energy Employees Occupational Illness Program (EEOICPA)Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)Federal Communications Commission (FCC)Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)Federal Election Commission (FEC)Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)Federal Student Aid (FSA)Federal Trade Commission (FTC)Indian Health Service (IHS)Internal Revenue Service (IRS)National Credit Union Administration (NCUA)National Personnel Records Center (NPRC)National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps Office of Personnel Management (OPM)Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC)Radiation Exposure Compensation Program (RECA)Railroad Retirement Board (RRB)September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (9/11 VCF)Social Security Administration (SSA)Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)Transportation Security Administration (TSA)U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)U.S. Coast Guard Casualty Assistance Program U.S. Copyright Office U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)U.S. Department of State U.S. Department of the Treasury U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (PHS)U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)United States Postal Service (USPS)USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA)

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Estate Planning Articles

Articles on wills, trusts, probate, powers of attorney, taxes, and inheritance, for planning ahead and for settling an estate. Written for families, not lawyers.

All Planning ahead Settling an estate

Topic

All topics368 Probate and estate administration105 Estate, inheritance, and gift taxes109 Trusts102 Wills15 Powers of attorney and incapacity11 Beneficiaries and inheritance17 Medicaid and long-term care2 Digital assets5

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All states Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut District of Columbia Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

Type

368 articles

The History of Inheritance Tax in Minnesota

The History of Inheritance Tax in Minnesota

Discover how inheritance tax in Minnesota has evolved over time and why the state eventually eliminated it in favor of estate tax.

SimplyTrust EditorialNovember 14, 2025

A Quick Guide to the Minnesota Estate Tax

A Quick Guide to the Minnesota Estate Tax

Understand the Minnesota estate tax to protect your heirs and secure your legacy. Learn about exemptions and more.

SimplyTrust EditorialNovember 13, 2025

Revocable Trusts in Massachusetts Versus Nevada

Revocable Trusts in Massachusetts Versus Nevada

Compare the benefits and implications of revocable trusts in Massachusetts versus Nevada. Understand tax differences and more.

SimplyTrust EditorialNovember 12, 2025

The History of Inheritance Tax in Massachusetts

The History of Inheritance Tax in Massachusetts

Learn why there’s no inheritance tax in Massachusetts and why the commonwealth levies an estate tax instead.

SimplyTrust EditorialNovember 11, 2025

Massachusetts Estate Tax: A Quick Overview

Massachusetts Estate Tax: A Quick Overview

Massachusetts estate tax applies to estates over $2 million, with a $99,600 credit that eliminates the old “cliff” effect for smaller estates.

SimplyTrust EditorialNovember 10, 2025

Revocable Trusts in Maryland Versus Nevada

Revocable Trusts in Maryland Versus Nevada

Compare the benefits and legal nuances of revocable trusts in Maryland versus Nevada, focusing on asset protection and tax implications.

SimplyTrust EditorialNovember 7, 2025

Maryland Inheritance Tax: What To Know

Maryland Inheritance Tax: What To Know

Learn what the Maryland inheritance tax is, who pays it and how residents and property owners in Maryland can manage it.

SimplyTrust EditorialNovember 6, 2025

Maryland Estate Tax: A Rundown

Maryland Estate Tax: A Rundown

Understanding Maryland estate tax helps in effective estate planning, mitigating tax liabilities, and ensuring smooth transfer of wealth.

SimplyTrust EditorialNovember 5, 2025

Comparing Revocable Trusts in Maine Versus Nevada

Comparing Revocable Trusts in Maine Versus Nevada

Compare the distinctive legal and tax landscapes of revocable trusts in Maine versus Nevada, including real-world snapshots.

SimplyTrust EditorialNovember 4, 2025

Why There’s No Inheritance Tax in Maine

Why There’s No Inheritance Tax in Maine

Learn about why there’s no inheritance tax in Maine and why the state turned to an estate-tax only approach to estates.

SimplyTrust EditorialNovember 3, 2025

An Overview of the Maine Estate Tax

An Overview of the Maine Estate Tax

Learn about the Maine estate tax, why the state levies one, and the tax rates and thresholds that impact residents and property owners.

SimplyTrust EditorialOctober 31, 2025

A Comparison of Revocable Trusts in Kentucky and Nevada

A Comparison of Revocable Trusts in Kentucky and Nevada

Learn about the similarities and differences of revocable trusts in Kentucky versus Nevada, including administrative details and community property.

SimplyTrust EditorialOctober 29, 2025

Kentucky Inheritance Tax: What It Is and Who Pays

Kentucky Inheritance Tax: What It Is and Who Pays

The Kentucky inheritance tax affects estate planning. Understand its implications and explore strategies to minimize liabilities.

SimplyTrust EditorialOctober 28, 2025

Why There’s No Estate Tax in Kentucky

Why There’s No Estate Tax in Kentucky

Learn why there’s no Kentucky estate tax, how estate tax differs from inheritance tax, and what practical steps you can take.

SimplyTrust EditorialOctober 28, 2025

What Is Trust Jurisdiction and Why Does It Matter?

What Is Trust Jurisdiction and Why Does It Matter?

Explore the importance of trust jurisdiction in estate planning, tax implications, and why choosing the right one matters.

SimplyTrust EditorialOctober 27, 2025

Exploring Revocable Trusts in Iowa and Nevada

Exploring Revocable Trusts in Iowa and Nevada

Explore the differences in revocable trusts in Iowa versus Nevada, focusing on probate, privacy, asset protection, and taxes.

SimplyTrust EditorialOctober 22, 2025

The Story Behind the Iowa Inheritance Tax and Its Repeal

The Story Behind the Iowa Inheritance Tax and Its Repeal

Discover the history and impact of the Iowa inheritance tax and its repeal, highlighting why the state chose to get rid of it.

SimplyTrust EditorialOctober 21, 2025

Why Iowa Doesn’t Have an Estate Tax

Why Iowa Doesn’t Have an Estate Tax

Read about the history of the Iowa estate tax and the reasons behind the state choosing to eliminate its estate tax.

SimplyTrust EditorialOctober 21, 2025

What Is Joint Tenancy in Estate Planning?

What Is Joint Tenancy in Estate Planning?

Joint tenancy offers many advantages in estate planning, including avoiding probate, but it comes with important considerations and alternatives.

Estate Planning

SimplyTrust EditorialOctober 20, 2025

Understanding Revocable Trusts in Illinois Versus Nevada

Understanding Revocable Trusts in Illinois Versus Nevada

Explore the differences between revocable trusts in Illinois versus Nevada, including tax, privacy, and duration concerns.

SimplyTrust EditorialOctober 17, 2025

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