Estate Planning

Discover essential estate planning strategies to protect your family's future. Learn about trusts, wills, and key decisions for your legacy.

What happens if you die without an estate plan?

Without an estate plan, state intestacy laws determine how your assets are distributed, which may not align with your wishes. Your family may face lengthy probate proceedings, higher costs, and potential disputes. Additionally, there would be no designated guardians for minor children or instructions for your healthcare preferences if you become incapacitated.

Who Owns Estate Planning Documents?
Estate Planning

Who Owns Estate Planning Documents?

Understanding who owns estate planning documents is crucial for executing your wishes and handling assets efficiently.
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialDecember 5, 2025
What Is Joint Tenancy in Estate Planning?
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.
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialOctober 20, 2025
What Are the Community Property States?
Estate Planning

What Are the Community Property States?

Learn about the community property states and how laws in these states can impact your estate planning strategies.
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialOctober 15, 2025
How Does the Right of Survivorship Shape Estate Plans?
Estate Planning

How Does the Right of Survivorship Shape Estate Plans?

Learn how the right of survivorship in estate planning simplifies asset transfer without probate. Understand its benefits and limitations.
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialOctober 9, 2025
What Is Community Property Versus Equitable Distribution?
Estate Planning

What Is Community Property Versus Equitable Distribution?

Discover the differences between community property and equitable distribution, and how they impact estate planning, especially in divorce situations.
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialOctober 2, 2025
Estate Tax Versus Inheritance Tax: Who Takes the Bite
Estate Planning

Estate Tax Versus Inheritance Tax: Who Takes the Bite

Estate tax and inheritance tax are distinct: one is levied on the estate and the other on assets received by beneficiaries, with laws varying by state.
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialOctober 2, 2025
Estate Planning Is for Everyone, Not Just the Wealthy
Estate Planning

Estate Planning Is for Everyone, Not Just the Wealthy

Estate planning serves everyone, not just the wealthy. It helps real people protect what matters most through simple, practical steps that work whether you have a studio apartment or a stock portfolio.
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialAugust 8, 2025
How Splitting Assets in Divorce Works
Estate Planning

How Splitting Assets in Divorce Works

Understanding how splitting assets in divorce works can make the divorce process smoother and more equitable.
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialJuly 29, 2025
The Joy of Estate Planning for Grandchildren
Estate Planning

The Joy of Estate Planning for Grandchildren

Estate planning for grandchildren creates lasting legacies through trusts, education funds, and meaningful gifts that support their dreams and futures.
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialJuly 23, 2025
5 Ways To Protect Separate Property in Divorce
Estate Planning

5 Ways To Protect Separate Property in Divorce

Protecting separate property in divorce takes smart planning and documentation. Without it, what’s separate can easily turn communal.
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialJuly 22, 2025
Understanding Community Property and Separate Property
Estate Planning

Understanding Community Property and Separate Property

Knowing the difference between community property and separate property can help you manage and distribute assets with clarity and fairness.
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialJuly 21, 2025