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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

Malcolm-Jamal Warner Estate Plan Gap Warning

Malcolm-Jamal Warner Estate Plan Gap Warning

Malcolm-Jamal Warner's estate dispute shows why signed documents alone don't make a functioning estate plan.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialSeptember 2, 2026
Estate Planning for Unmarried Couples in Illinois

Estate Planning for Unmarried Couples in Illinois

Illinois law grants unmarried partners no automatic rights. Here's what documents close the gap for incapacity and inheritance.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialSeptember 2, 2026
HIPAA Releases in Kansas Estate Plans: What Families Need to Know

HIPAA Releases in Kansas Estate Plans: What Families Need to Know

Kansas families often overlook HIPAA Releases until a medical emergency reveals the gap. Here's what the document does and why it matters.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialSeptember 2, 2026
Ancillary Probate in North Carolina: Inherited Property Guide

Ancillary Probate in North Carolina: Inherited Property Guide

A title company halts a North Carolina closing, triggering ancillary probate. Here's what heirs and administrators need to know.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialSeptember 2, 2026
Alabama Estate Planning Checklist: 10 Key Documents

Alabama Estate Planning Checklist: 10 Key Documents

Alabama seniors need 10 key estate planning documents. Here's what each one does and how Alabama law shapes the requirements.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialSeptember 2, 2026
Blended Families in Washington: Beneficiary Designation Risks

Blended Families in Washington: Beneficiary Designation Risks

Outdated beneficiary designations create serious risks for blended families in Washington, where community property rules add complexity.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialSeptember 2, 2026
SC Healthcare vs. Financial Power of Attorney

SC Healthcare vs. Financial Power of Attorney

South Carolina requires separate documents for healthcare and financial decisions during incapacity. Learn the key differences and execution requirements.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialSeptember 2, 2026
Ancillary Probate in North Carolina: What Heirs Need to Know

Ancillary Probate in North Carolina: What Heirs Need to Know

When a parent dies without a will and owns North Carolina land, ancillary probate is almost always required — even if an estate is open in another state.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialSeptember 2, 2026
Selling Inherited NC Land with a Probate Issue

Selling Inherited NC Land with a Probate Issue

A buyer can stay under contract while NC ancillary probate resolves inherited land title — but deadlines don't pause for probate.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialSeptember 2, 2026
Estate Planning for California Creators and Artists

Estate Planning for California Creators and Artists

California creators face unique estate planning gaps around copyrights, royalties, and right of publicity that standard plans rarely address.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialSeptember 2, 2026
Connecticut Domicile Rules and Estate Tax Disputes

Connecticut Domicile Rules and Estate Tax Disputes

A Connecticut estate tax dispute open since 2015 highlights how domicile rules affect families who live across state lines.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialSeptember 1, 2026
Talking to Aging Parents About Estate Plans in MN

Talking to Aging Parents About Estate Plans in MN

Minnesota families face real legal and financial consequences when aging parents lack estate plans. Here's what the conversation covers.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialSeptember 1, 2026
Do You Need a Probate Attorney in Massachusetts?

Do You Need a Probate Attorney in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts allows self-representation in probate, but personal liability and strict deadlines make the process risky without legal guidance.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialSeptember 1, 2026
7 Steps to Prepare for Estate Planning

7 Steps to Prepare for Estate Planning

Seven preparation steps help families get more from estate planning, whether meeting an attorney or starting a trust online.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialSeptember 1, 2026
Why Georgia Families File Wills with Probate Court

Why Georgia Families File Wills with Probate Court

Georgia families file wills with probate court to confirm validity, authorize executors, and prevent heir disputes — even when full probate isn't required.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialSeptember 1, 2026
Oregon's Estate Planning Diversity Gap and What It Means

Oregon's Estate Planning Diversity Gap and What It Means

ACTEC Foundation grants reveal Oregon has only 4 Black T&E attorneys. Here's what that gap means for Oregon estate planning.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialSeptember 1, 2026
Idaho Estate Tax Reality: What Retirees Actually Face

Idaho Estate Tax Reality: What Retirees Actually Face

Idaho retirees face no state death tax and a $15M federal exemption. Income taxes on RMDs and inherited IRAs demand more attention.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialAugust 31, 2026
High-Value Estate Planning in Illinois: Key Strategies

High-Value Estate Planning in Illinois: Key Strategies

Illinois estates over $4M face state estate tax. Key strategies include trusts, TOD tools, and succession plans for business owners.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialAugust 31, 2026
Wisconsin HSA Beneficiary Designations: The Tax Trap

Wisconsin HSA Beneficiary Designations: The Tax Trap

Wisconsin HSAs become fully taxable at death for non-spouse beneficiaries. Learn how beneficiary choices affect your family's tax bill.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialAugust 31, 2026
Minor Heirs in NC Probate: Who Decides?

Minor Heirs in NC Probate: Who Decides?

North Carolina requires a court-appointed guardian of the estate before a minor heir can receive or manage an inheritance through probate.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialAugust 31, 2026
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