Estate Planning 101

Learn estate planning fundamentals with our comprehensive guides. Discover wills, trusts, and essential documents to protect your family's future.

What documents do I need for basic estate planning?

Basic estate planning typically includes a will, power of attorney documents, and healthcare directives. Many families also create revocable living trusts to help avoid probate and streamline asset transfer. The specific documents you need depend on your family situation, assets, and state laws.

Glossary of Basic Estate Planning Terms
Estate Planning 101Estate Planning Terms

Glossary of Basic Estate Planning Terms

Estate planning involves understanding key terms like assets, beneficiaries, wills, trusts, and probate. This glossary simplifies complex concepts, helping you navigate estate planning with confidence.
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialDecember 26, 2025
Wills vs. Pour-Over Wills: A Snapshot
Estate Planning 101Wills

Wills vs. Pour-Over Wills: A Snapshot

Wills vs. pour-over wills. Understand the differences between these very different estate management tools.
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialDecember 26, 2025
What Is Probate? (The DMV of Estate Planning)
Estate Planning 101Probate

What Is Probate? (The DMV of Estate Planning)

Probate is the court-supervised legal process of settling someone’s estate after death, involving will validation, debt payment, and asset distribution to beneficiaries.
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialDecember 26, 2025
Estate Inventory Checklist: Complete Guide to Cataloging Your Assets
Asset ManagementEstate Planning 101TrustsWills

Estate Inventory Checklist: Complete Guide to Cataloging Your Assets

An estate inventory checklist simplifies asset management and distribution by helping you organize everything from financial accounts and real estate to sentimental items and digital assets.
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialDecember 16, 2025
Passwords for Trustees: The Ultimate Estate Planning Plot Twist
Estate Planning 101

Passwords for Trustees: The Ultimate Estate Planning Plot Twist

It’s easy to forget passwords for trustees because it’s easy to forget passwords for ourselves. But don’t. Please.
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMay 27, 2025
Understanding Inheritance Rights
Estate PlanningEstate Planning 101

Understanding Inheritance Rights

Learn more about inheritance rights and how to protect your legacy and ensure your loved ones’ financial security.
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMay 20, 2025
What Is a Letter of Intent (Estate Planning Version)
Estate PlanningEstate Planning 101

What Is a Letter of Intent (Estate Planning Version)

Discover the power of a letter of intent in estate planning—an emotional roadmap for your loved ones during difficult times.
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMay 12, 2025
Preventing Power of Attorney Abuse
Estate Planning 101

Preventing Power of Attorney Abuse

Discover the vital role of power of attorney in safeguarding your interests, while learning about preventing power of attorney abuse.
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMay 2, 2025
Debt and Estate Planning
Estate Planning 101

Debt and Estate Planning

Debt and estate planning: Discover how debt impacts your estate planning and learn strategies to protect your loved ones from financial burdens.
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialApril 30, 2025
What Is an Attorney-in-Fact and Why Are They Important?
Estate Planning 101Estate Planning Terms

What Is an Attorney-in-Fact and Why Are They Important?

Read about what an attorney-in-fact is (hint: it’s not necessarily an attorney) and why it’s so important in estate planning?
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialApril 17, 2025
5 Types of Power of Attorney
Estate Planning 101

5 Types of Power of Attorney

A power of attorney is crucial legal document for managing financial and healthcare decisions, ensuring peace of mind and future security.
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMarch 31, 2025