Question 1

What forms are available?

Accepted Answer

We currently offer 14 document forms: (1) Revocable Living Trust - Create a revocable living trust to avoid probate, protect privacy, and control asset distribution., (2) Last Will and Testament - Name your heirs, guardians, and final wishes. Free for every state., (3) Pour-Over Will - Catch anything outside your trust. Pairs with your revocable trust., (4) Healthcare Power of Attorney - Name someone to make medical decisions if you can't., (5) Financial Power of Attorney - Name someone to manage your finances if you can't., (6) Transfer on Death Deed - Transfer real property to a beneficiary upon your death without probate. Available in 33 states and the District of Columbia., (7) Vehicle Transfer on Death - Name a beneficiary to inherit your vehicle at death without probate. Available in 25 states and the District of Columbia., (8) EIN Application - Get the tax ID number (EIN) banks require to open an estate account or trust account after someone dies., (9) Petition for Probate and Letters - Open probate and ask the court to appoint you and issue Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration., (10) Notice to Creditors - Notify estate creditors and start the claim period — the published notice plus mailed copies for known creditors., (11) Small Estate Affidavit - Collect a small estate's property without probate — the sworn affidavit presented to banks and other holders, with a presentation letter for each., (12) Estate Inventory - Prepare the probate inventory of estate property — every asset at its date-of-death value, with your state's filing or delivery instructions., (13) Letter of Instruction - Prepare the letter a bank or insurer requests during estate settlement, addressed to its claims department., (14) Digital Assets Recovery Letter - Prepare a letter requesting a deceased person's online accounts, points, and balances from the program that holds them.

Question 2

How do state-specific forms work?

Accepted Answer

When you select your state, the form automatically includes your state's execution requirements—witness count, notarization fields, and self-proving affidavit language where applicable. The generated PDF reflects these requirements so you know exactly what to do at signing.

Question 3

Does SimplyTrust provide legal advice?

Accepted Answer

No. SimplyTrust is not a law firm. These are self-directed tools that record your choices—we do not review your entries or determine whether a document is appropriate for your situation. For legal questions, consult a licensed attorney in your state.

Question 4

What is the difference between a will and a trust?

Accepted Answer

A will names who inherits your property and goes through probate—a public court process that can take months. A trust holds assets during your lifetime and transfers them privately, typically without probate. Many families use both: a will for guardianship designations and smaller assets, and a trust for property, accounts, and anything they want to pass outside of court.

Question 5

Do I need all 14 documents?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your situation. Most adults benefit from at least a will, a healthcare directive, and a financial power of attorney. A revocable trust avoids probate for the assets you place in it, and a pour-over will works alongside a trust to catch anything not transferred during your lifetime. A transfer-on-death deed is useful if you own real property in a state that recognizes TOD deeds and want it to pass outside of probate. Together, these documents cover what happens to your assets, who makes medical decisions if you cannot, and who handles your finances in an emergency.

Estate Planning Forms