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Home→News→News for Planning Ahead

News for Planning Ahead

News that changes a plan made ahead of time: federal and state tax exemptions, will and trust law, powers of attorney, transfer on death rules, and the court decisions that reach them.

AllPlanning aheadSettling an estate
All topics911Probate and estate administration389Estate, inheritance, and gift taxes278Trusts114Wills36Powers of attorney and incapacity97Beneficiaries and inheritance349Medicaid and long-term care38Digital assets14
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766 news posts

Estate Planning Provides Stability During Economic Uncertainty

Estate Planning Provides Stability During Economic Uncertainty

Economic uncertainty paralyzes financial decision-making, but estate planning provides structured solutions that restore control when market conditions remain…
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialApril 3, 2026
California Estate Planning for People Without Children

California Estate Planning for People Without Children

California childless residents face unique estate planning challenges as intestacy laws exclude chosen family and partners in favor of blood relatives.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialApril 2, 2026
Trust Drafting Challenges: Avoiding Common Legal Pitfalls

Trust Drafting Challenges: Avoiding Common Legal Pitfalls

Legal expert identifies 18 key drafting challenges in modern trust law, highlighting conflicts between traditional equity principles and legislative reforms.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMarch 31, 2026
Pour-Over Wills and Revocable Trusts Work Together

Pour-Over Wills and Revocable Trusts Work Together

Pour-over wills work with revocable trusts as safety nets, directing unfunded assets into the trust after death while still requiring probate.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMarch 31, 2026
Three Advanced Wealth Transfer Strategies for Business Owners

Three Advanced Wealth Transfer Strategies for Business Owners

Advanced estate planning strategies help business owners transfer future growth to heirs while minimizing taxes through recapitalizations, grantor trusts, and…
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMarch 25, 2026
Washington Reverses Estate Tax Hike After One Year

Washington Reverses Estate Tax Hike After One Year

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson signed legislation reversing the state’s estate tax increase after just one year, reducing the top rate from 35% back to 20%.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMarch 25, 2026
Why Parents Need Living Trusts for Financial Security

Why Parents Need Living Trusts for Financial Security

Estate planning attorney explains why parents need living trusts to protect children’s financial futures and avoid probate complications.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMarch 24, 2026
South Carolina Updates Power of Attorney Hot Powers Requirements

South Carolina Updates Power of Attorney Hot Powers Requirements

South Carolina requires explicit authorization for twelve “hot powers” in power of attorney documents, including trust modifications and digital asset access.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMarch 24, 2026
Idaho Tax Changes Affect Senior Estate Planning Strategies

Idaho Tax Changes Affect Senior Estate Planning Strategies

Idaho’s tax-friendly environment creates unique estate planning opportunities for seniors, but strategic planning remains essential for capital gains and…
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMarch 24, 2026
Alabama Estate Planning Benefits: 10 Reasons Every Family Needs a Plan

Alabama Estate Planning Benefits: 10 Reasons Every Family Needs a Plan

Alabama Elder Care Law Firm outlines ten essential reasons every family needs estate planning, from protecting minor children to minimizing probate costs.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMarch 24, 2026
Trust Beneficiary Protection: Lessons from Estate Planning

Trust Beneficiary Protection: Lessons from Estate Planning

Estate planning attorneys explore trust beneficiary protection strategies, emphasizing education and professional oversight for successful wealth transfer.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMarch 23, 2026
Digital Estate Planning Platform Sucesio Launches in Europe

Digital Estate Planning Platform Sucesio Launches in Europe

New European platform Sucesio automates digital estate transfers, highlighting growing need for comprehensive digital asset planning in modern estate…
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMarch 22, 2026
Missouri Trust Funding: Why Creating a Trust Is Only the First Step

Missouri Trust Funding: Why Creating a Trust Is Only the First Step

Missouri estate planning firm highlights critical trust funding oversight: many families create trusts but never transfer assets, leaving them vulnerable to…
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMarch 19, 2026
Largest Wealth Transfer in History Demands New Planning Approach

Largest Wealth Transfer in History Demands New Planning Approach

Private banking experts call for fundamental shift in succession planning as families navigate the largest wealth transfer in history.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMarch 18, 2026
Great Wealth Transfer Creates Crossroads for Financial Advisors

Great Wealth Transfer Creates Crossroads for Financial Advisors

Industry expert warns that independent financial advisors face a critical test as trillions transfer between generations through outdated estate plans.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMarch 18, 2026
Idaho Tax Planning Shifts Earlier: Estate Implications

Idaho Tax Planning Shifts Earlier: Estate Implications

Idaho tax planning analysis reveals optimal timing begins months before April deadlines, creating coordination opportunities with estate planning strategies.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMarch 17, 2026
Per Stirpes vs Per Capita: Hidden Rules That Shape Inheritances

Per Stirpes vs Per Capita: Hidden Rules That Shape Inheritances

Per stirpes and per capita rules determine inheritance outcomes when beneficiaries predecease account holders, yet most families don’t know these options exist.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMarch 15, 2026
Federal Estate Tax Exemption Permanently Set at $15 Million

Federal Estate Tax Exemption Permanently Set at $15 Million

OBBBA permanently set federal estate tax exemption at $15 million per person, ending uncertainty for Kentucky families planning wealth transfers.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMarch 13, 2026
Georgia Supreme Court Announces Key Changes for 2026

Georgia Supreme Court Announces Key Changes for 2026

Georgia Supreme Court announces 2026 changes affecting legal proceedings, including Justice Warren’s health diagnosis and updated email systems.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMarch 13, 2026
2026 Estate Planning Changes: New Tax Rules and Court Cases

2026 Estate Planning Changes: New Tax Rules and Court Cases

New 2026 estate tax rules from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act create planning opportunities and complexity, while recent Tax Court cases highlight precision…
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMarch 13, 2026
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