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Revocable Living TrustCreate a revocable living trust to avoid probate, protect privacy, and control asset distribution.Last Will and TestamentName your heirs, guardians, and final wishes. Free for every state.Pour-Over WillCatch anything outside your trust. Pairs with your revocable trust.Healthcare Power of AttorneyName someone to make medical decisions if you can't.Financial Power of AttorneyName someone to manage your finances if you can't.Transfer on Death DeedTransfer real property to a beneficiary upon your death without probate. Available in 34 states and the District of Columbia.Vehicle Transfer on DeathName a beneficiary to inherit your vehicle at death without probate. Available in 26 states and the District of Columbia.Living WillState in advance which life-sustaining treatments you want or refuse, in the document your state recognizes, with signing instructions from the statute.
EIN ApplicationGet the tax ID number (EIN) banks require to open an estate account or trust account after someone dies.Petition for Probate and LettersOpen probate and ask the court to appoint you and issue Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.Notice to CreditorsNotify estate creditors and start the claim period — the published notice plus mailed copies for known creditors.Renunciation of ExecutorDecline an appointment as executor named in a will — the writing filed with the court before anyone is appointed.Affidavit of HeirshipPrepare the sworn statement of a deceased person's family history and heirs for recording in the county land records, with your state's recording instructions.Small Estate AffidavitCollect a small estate's property without probate — the sworn affidavit presented to banks and other holders, with a presentation letter for each.Estate InventoryPrepare the probate inventory of estate property — every asset at its date-of-death value, with your state's filing or delivery instructions.Estate ClosingPrepare the paperwork that closes the estate — the state's closing instrument with its closing instructions, and the optional federal forms.Letter of InstructionPrepare the letter a bank or insurer requests during estate settlement, addressed to its claims department.Digital Assets Recovery LetterPrepare a letter requesting a deceased person's online accounts, points, and balances from the program that holds them.
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I'm planning ahead
Estate Planning Cost CalculatorCompare costs across estate planning providers including online services and attorneys.Revocable Living Trust Cost CalculatorCompare revocable living trust costs across providers including online services and attorneys.Will Cost CalculatorCompare will costs across providers plus probate costs your heirs will pay.Life Insurance CalculatorCalculate your life insurance needs based on income, debts, and family situation.Beneficiary Designation CheckerCheck how divorce, creditors, and state laws affect your beneficiary designations.State Estate Law GuideSee probate costs, will requirements, trust rules, and intestacy laws for your state.Estate Planning Service ComparisonCompare what it costs to make a trust official across SimplyTrust, LegalZoom, Trust & Will, Rocket Lawyer, and Quicken WillMaker, and when your documents are actually done.Name a Guardian GuideSee how a parent names a guardian for their minor children, what weight the court gives your choice, and your options for temporary care.Burial & Cremation Law GuideSee who controls final arrangements, cremation and burial rules, and what your state allows.Signing Requirements CheckerFind witness, notary, and remote signing requirements for all 50 states.Document Portability CheckerCheck if estate planning documents signed in one state are valid in another.Trust Need AssessmentFind out if a revocable trust makes sense based on your state, estate value, and family situation.TOD Deed AssessmentFind out if a transfer on death deed can keep your property out of probate.Vehicle TOD AssessmentFind out if you can name a beneficiary on your vehicle title to skip probate.Trust Account Opening GuideCompare trust-account requirements bank by bank: how a revocable trust account is opened or retitled, what proves the trust, and what the successor trustee faces.Trust or Will Decision ToolCompare the cost of probate vs a trust for your state and estate value.
I'm inheriting
Who Inherits CalculatorFind out who inherits your estate and how much they get if you die without a will.Estate & Inheritance Tax CalculatorCalculate federal estate tax, state estate tax, and inheritance tax for an estate.Inheritance Tax GuideInheritance tax by state, federal tax on inheritance, and timeline estimates for receiving money, property, or retirement assets.Step-Up Basis CalculatorCalculate the new cost basis on inherited assets under IRC § 1014 and project capital gains tax savings.Inherited IRA Withdrawal RulesSee which federal withdrawal rules apply to an inherited IRA, Roth IRA, or employer plan, the deadline year, and the tax for a missed withdrawal.Post-Death Tax Filing GuideFind out which tax returns need to be filed after someone dies and whether tax clearance is required.
Someone I love died
Death Certificate CalculatorCalculate how many certified death certificates you need and see ordering info for your state.Probate Decision ToolFind out if an estate needs probate or qualifies for simplified procedures.Estate Settlement PlanPersonalized plan for settling an estate after someone passes away.What to Do When Someone Dies ChecklistA step-by-step checklist for the days, weeks, and months after a death, with state rules noted where they apply.
I'm an executor
Probate Cost CalculatorEstimate attorney fees, executor fees, court costs, and timeline for probating an estate.Executor Fee CalculatorCalculate how much an executor can charge for administering an estate.Self-File Probate AssessmentFind out if you can handle probate yourself with estimated cost savings and a filing checklist.Executor Appointment GuideSee the court, petition, bond, and documents needed to be appointed and receive your Letters.Creditor Claims DeadlinesFind creditor claim deadlines, notice requirements, and payment priority order for your state.Insolvent Estate CalculatorSee the order your state pays an insolvent estate's debts and which claims go unpaid.Estate Account Opening GuideCompare estate-account opening requirements bank by bank: channels, required documents, and steps.Personal Property Value EstimatorEstimate the fair market value of household items for probate and see how it affects fees.
I'm a trustee
Trustee Compensation CalculatorFind out what fair compensation looks like for serving as trustee.Trust Settlement PlanPersonalized plan for settling a trust after the grantor passes away.
I'm inheriting
Who Inherits CalculatorFind out who inherits your estate and how much they get if you die without a will.Estate & Inheritance Tax CalculatorCalculate federal estate tax, state estate tax, and inheritance tax for an estate.Inheritance Tax GuideInheritance tax by state, federal tax on inheritance, and timeline estimates for receiving money, property, or retirement assets.Step-Up Basis CalculatorCalculate the new cost basis on inherited assets under IRC § 1014 and project capital gains tax savings.Inherited IRA Withdrawal RulesSee which federal withdrawal rules apply to an inherited IRA, Roth IRA, or employer plan, the deadline year, and the tax for a missed withdrawal.Post-Death Tax Filing GuideFind out which tax returns need to be filed after someone dies and whether tax clearance is required.
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Revocable Living TrustLast Will and TestamentPour-Over WillHealthcare Power of AttorneyFinancial Power of AttorneyTransfer on Death DeedVehicle Transfer on DeathLiving WillEIN ApplicationPetition for Probate and LettersNotice to CreditorsRenunciation of ExecutorAffidavit of HeirshipSmall Estate AffidavitEstate InventoryEstate ClosingLetter of InstructionDigital Assets Recovery Letter
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Estate Planning Cost CalculatorRevocable Living Trust Cost CalculatorWill Cost CalculatorLife Insurance CalculatorBeneficiary Designation CheckerState Estate Law GuideEstate Planning Service ComparisonName a Guardian GuideBurial & Cremation Law GuideSigning Requirements CheckerDocument Portability CheckerTrust Need AssessmentTOD Deed AssessmentVehicle TOD AssessmentTrust Account Opening GuideTrust or Will Decision Tool
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Who Inherits CalculatorEstate & Inheritance Tax CalculatorInheritance Tax GuideStep-Up Basis CalculatorInherited IRA Withdrawal RulesPost-Death Tax Filing Guide
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Home→News→Beneficiary and Inheritance News

Beneficiary and Inheritance News

News on inheritance: beneficiary designation and survivorship rulings, intestacy changes, inheritance disputes, and the transfer of wealth between generations.

All topics911Probate and estate administration389Estate, inheritance, and gift taxes278Trusts114Wills36Powers of attorney and incapacity97Beneficiaries and inheritance349Medicaid and long-term care38Digital assets14
All statesAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
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349 news posts

Norway’s Wealth Tax: A Cautionary Tale for Estate Planning

Norway’s Wealth Tax: A Cautionary Tale for Estate Planning

Discover how Norway’s wealth tax changes are influencing estate planning strategies in the U.S. and what it means for high-net-worth individuals.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialOctober 5, 2025
New Proposal Targets Dynasty Trusts for Taxation

New Proposal Targets Dynasty Trusts for Taxation

Explore a new proposal targeting dynasty trusts and their tax implications for the ultra-wealthy.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialOctober 2, 2025
Navigating the New Wealth Transfer: Giving While Living

Navigating the New Wealth Transfer: Giving While Living

Explore the growing trend of giving while living and its impact on estate planning.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialOctober 1, 2025
Innovative NYC RIA Enhances Estate Planning for Clients

Innovative NYC RIA Enhances Estate Planning for Clients

Discover how a $13.6 billion NYC RIA is transforming estate planning with innovative advisor teams.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialOctober 1, 2025
How the OBBBA Transforms Estate Tax Planning in 2026

How the OBBBA Transforms Estate Tax Planning in 2026

Discover how the OBBBA impacts estate tax planning and what it means for your financial future.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialOctober 1, 2025
How the OBBBA Impacts Estate Tax Planning for You

How the OBBBA Impacts Estate Tax Planning for You

Discover how the OBBBA transforms estate tax planning for high-net-worth families and what it means for your future.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialOctober 1, 2025
New Estate Tax Exemption: What You Need to Know

New Estate Tax Exemption: What You Need to Know

Discover how the OBBBA impacts estate tax exemptions for 2026.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialOctober 1, 2025
5 Assets to Exclude from Your Living Trust for Probate

5 Assets to Exclude from Your Living Trust for Probate

Discover five crucial assets to leave out of your living trust to help your heirs avoid probate.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialSeptember 28, 2025
Gen Z’s Inheritance Hopes vs. Boomer Reality Check

Gen Z’s Inheritance Hopes vs. Boomer Reality Check

Gen Z anticipates a $124 trillion inheritance, but boomers may not leave anything behind. What does this mean for your financial future?
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialSeptember 26, 2025
Preparing for Potential Tax Changes in Estate Planning

Preparing for Potential Tax Changes in Estate Planning

Get ready for potential changes in estate planning as tax reforms loom. Here’s how to safeguard your finances now!
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialSeptember 24, 2025
Navigating Medicaid and Estate Planning for Aging Parents

Navigating Medicaid and Estate Planning for Aging Parents

Explore how cosigning loans affects Medicaid and estate planning for aging parents.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialSeptember 17, 2025
Why Some Celebrities Are Disinheriting Their Kids

Why Some Celebrities Are Disinheriting Their Kids

Explore why some celebrities are choosing to disinherit their children and what it means for estate planning.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialSeptember 17, 2025
Hulk Hogan’s Will: A Shocking Estate Plan Update

Hulk Hogan’s Will: A Shocking Estate Plan Update

Discover the surprising changes in Hulk Hogan’s will that excluded his daughter Brooke from his estate worth over $5 million.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialSeptember 10, 2025
Essential Terms for First-Time Trustees in Estate Planning

Essential Terms for First-Time Trustees in Estate Planning

Master essential estate planning terms as a first-time trustee!
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialSeptember 9, 2025
Trustees’ Accounting Duties for Irrevocable Trusts in Florida

Trustees’ Accounting Duties for Irrevocable Trusts in Florida

Discover if trustees must provide accountings for irrevocable trusts in Florida and learn the legal nuances involved.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialSeptember 4, 2025
Wealth Transfer Trends: Advisors Face Client Defections

Wealth Transfer Trends: Advisors Face Client Defections

Recent surveys reveal nearly half of heirs plan to switch advisors after inheritance. What does this mean for financial planning?
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialSeptember 4, 2025
New Tax Deduction: Influencers Can Claim Tips in 2026

New Tax Deduction: Influencers Can Claim Tips in 2026

Discover how a new tax deduction for influencers could impact your finances in 2026!
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialSeptember 3, 2025
Navigating the $84 Trillion Wealth Transfer Challenge

Navigating the $84 Trillion Wealth Transfer Challenge

Discover how to prepare for the upcoming $84 trillion wealth transfer!
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialSeptember 2, 2025
Navigating the $84 Trillion Wealth Transfer: Key Insights

Navigating the $84 Trillion Wealth Transfer: Key Insights

Explore how to navigate the $84 trillion wealth transfer and ensure your heirs are prepared for financial responsibility.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialSeptember 2, 2025
Ozzy Osbourne’s Estate: Lessons for Blended Families

Ozzy Osbourne’s Estate: Lessons for Blended Families

Discover how Ozzy Osbourne’s estate highlights key lessons in blended family planning.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialSeptember 2, 2025
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