How we research
We build and maintain an internal database of estate planning statutes covering all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Each data point — probate thresholds, executor fee schedules, creditor claim deadlines, signing requirements, tax exemptions — is sourced directly from state code and tagged with the specific statute citation.
When you see a number on our site, it comes from this database — including the values inside our free calculators and checklists and document builders. Values backed by a statute citation display a verification mark showing the citation and the date it was last confirmed against the primary source. This system ensures that when state law changes, we can identify and update every page that references the affected statute.
Our editorial process
- AI-assisted research tools draft content from our statute database and primary sources.
- All content is reviewed before publication.
- Published content is connected to our live statute database, so data values update automatically when we verify new figures.
- We monitor state legislative sessions and update affected data as laws change.
Primary sources only
We do not rely on secondary sources like legal blogs or law firm websites for our state data. Our sources include:
- State probate codes and estates codes (e.g., California Probate Code, Texas Estates Code, New York SCPA)
- Official state legislature websites (.gov domains)
- IRS publications and federal tax code
- State bar association resources and court administrative orders
- County probate court websites for local filing procedures and fees
What our content is (and isn't)
Our resources present factual information about estate planning requirements, procedures, and costs. They are not legal advice and are not a substitute for consultation with a licensed attorney in your state. Estate planning decisions depend on individual circumstances that general information cannot address.
Corrections and feedback
If you find an outdated figure, an incorrect citation, or something that could be clearer, contact us at hello@simplytrust.com. We take corrections seriously and update verified data within 24 hours of confirmation.
