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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
NewsArticles

349 news posts

New Tax Implications for Cross-Border Family Trusts

New Tax Implications for Cross-Border Family Trusts

Discover how cross-border family trusts face surprising U.S. tax challenges and what you can do to protect your wealth.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialFebruary 6, 2026
Excessive Tobacco Taxes and Their Impact on Estate Planning

Excessive Tobacco Taxes and Their Impact on Estate Planning

Explore how excessive tobacco taxes impact estate planning and what it means for your financial future.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialFebruary 6, 2026
New Tax Law Doubles Estate Tax Exemption Until 2025

New Tax Law Doubles Estate Tax Exemption Until 2025

Explore how the new tax law doubling the estate tax exemption impacts your estate planning strategies.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialFebruary 5, 2026
Proposed Changes to Estate Tax Exemption: What to Know

Proposed Changes to Estate Tax Exemption: What to Know

Discover how proposed changes to estate tax exemptions could impact your planning.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialFebruary 5, 2026
Court Ruling on Inheritance Claims in Halperin Case

Court Ruling on Inheritance Claims in Halperin Case

Discover how a recent court ruling impacts inheritance rights and estate planning dynamics in California.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialFebruary 4, 2026
Revamp Your Estate Plan to Avoid Future Confusion

Revamp Your Estate Plan to Avoid Future Confusion

Is your estate plan outdated? Discover essential updates to avoid chaos for your loved ones.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialFebruary 4, 2026
Navigating Trusts as IRA Beneficiaries for Minors

Navigating Trusts as IRA Beneficiaries for Minors

Wonder how to leave your IRA to minors? Discover how trusts can simplify the process and ensure financial security.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialFebruary 2, 2026
Why Independent Trustees May Be Best for Your Estate Plan

Why Independent Trustees May Be Best for Your Estate Plan

Discover why choosing an independent trustee can ease family burdens during estate planning.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialFebruary 2, 2026
Tax-Efficient Strategies for Transferring Wealth Now

Tax-Efficient Strategies for Transferring Wealth Now

Explore tax-efficient strategies to transfer wealth and reduce estate taxes before potential law changes in 2026.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialFebruary 2, 2026
Navigating OBBBA: New Estate Tax Strategies for Physicians

Navigating OBBBA: New Estate Tax Strategies for Physicians

Discover how the OBBBA impacts estate planning for physicians and learn strategies to secure your wealth and practice.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialJanuary 28, 2026
How the $15 Million Exemption Transforms Farm Succession Planning

How the $15 Million Exemption Transforms Farm Succession Planning

Discover how the new $15 million estate tax exemption affects farm succession strategies and income tax planning.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialJanuary 26, 2026
Protecting Your Crypto Wealth: Essential Estate Planning Tips

Protecting Your Crypto Wealth: Essential Estate Planning Tips

Millions of crypto assets risk vanishing without proper planning. Here’s how to secure your digital wealth for future generations.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialJanuary 26, 2026
Wealthy Americans and the Tax Code: A Growing Divide

Wealthy Americans and the Tax Code: A Growing Divide

Discover how the wealthy exploit tax loopholes and what it means for you.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialJanuary 26, 2026
Tax Questions Every Heir Should Know After Inheritance

Tax Questions Every Heir Should Know After Inheritance

Discover essential tax questions heirs must answer after an inheritance. Get prepared for smooth asset transitions!
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialJanuary 25, 2026
Estate Tax Exemption Changes: What You Need to Know Now

Estate Tax Exemption Changes: What You Need to Know Now

Discover how the new estate tax exemption changes affect your planning.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialJanuary 25, 2026
Is the IRA Tax the New Federal Estate Tax?

Is the IRA Tax the New Federal Estate Tax?

Explore how proposed IRA tax changes could impact your estate planning in 2026.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialJanuary 25, 2026
Estate Planning Insights for Financial Peace of Mind

Estate Planning Insights for Financial Peace of Mind

Unlock financial happiness with strategic estate planning! Discover key insights for peace of mind and security.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialJanuary 24, 2026
Court Upholds Daughters’ Inheritance Rights in Will Case

Court Upholds Daughters’ Inheritance Rights in Will Case

Discover how a recent court ruling impacts inheritance rights and estate planning in the U.S.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialJanuary 19, 2026
Navigating the Probate Process: Frozen Accounts Explained

Navigating the Probate Process: Frozen Accounts Explained

Discover the challenges families face during probate and how to avoid them.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialJanuary 19, 2026
Understanding Inherited Roth IRAs and Successor Beneficiaries

Understanding Inherited Roth IRAs and Successor Beneficiaries

Learn how inherited Roth IRAs work for successor beneficiaries and avoid costly mistakes.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialJanuary 19, 2026
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