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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, composed to your state's statute, with the state's filing or delivery instructions.Estate ClosingPrepare the paperwork that closes the estate — the state's closing statement, petition for discharge, or final account, with the state's 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.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, and what proves the trust.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 missed-withdrawal tax.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 AssessmentWhether your state lets you open probate yourself, and what it costs with a lawyer and without one.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 missed-withdrawal tax.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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State Benefit Programs
Medicaid Estate RecoveryUnclaimed PropertyUnemployment BenefitsPublic PensionsVital Records
Federal Agencies
Administration for Community Living (ACL)Black Lung Benefits ProgramBureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS)Defense Health Agency (DHA)Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)DOD Casualty Assistance ProgramDrug Enforcement Administration (DEA)Energy Employees Occupational Illness Program (EEOICPA)Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)Federal Communications Commission (FCC)Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)Federal Election Commission (FEC)Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)Federal Student Aid (FSA)Federal Trade Commission (FTC)Indian Health Service (IHS)Internal Revenue Service (IRS)National Credit Union Administration (NCUA)National Personnel Records Center (NPRC)National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)NOAA Commissioned Officer CorpsOffice of Personnel Management (OPM)Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC)Radiation Exposure Compensation Program (RECA)Railroad Retirement Board (RRB)September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (9/11 VCF)Social Security Administration (SSA)Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)Transportation Security Administration (TSA)U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)U.S. Coast Guard Casualty Assistance ProgramU.S. Copyright OfficeU.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)U.S. Department of StateU.S. Department of the TreasuryU.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (PHS)U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)United States Postal Service (USPS)USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA)
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Articles
ArticlesNewsLife Events
Forms
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
I'm planning ahead
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
I'm inheriting
Who Inherits CalculatorEstate & Inheritance Tax CalculatorInheritance Tax GuideStep-Up Basis CalculatorInherited IRA Withdrawal RulesPost-Death Tax Filing Guide
Someone I love died
Death Certificate CalculatorProbate Decision ToolEstate Settlement PlanWhat to Do When Someone Dies Checklist
I'm an executor
Probate Cost CalculatorExecutor Fee CalculatorSelf-File Probate AssessmentExecutor Appointment GuideCreditor Claims DeadlinesInsolvent Estate CalculatorEstate Account Opening GuidePersonal Property Value Estimator
I'm a trustee
Trustee Compensation CalculatorTrust Settlement Plan
I'm inheriting
Who Inherits CalculatorEstate & Inheritance Tax CalculatorInheritance Tax GuideStep-Up Basis CalculatorInherited IRA Withdrawal RulesPost-Death Tax Filing Guide
State Benefit Programs
Medicaid Estate RecoveryUnclaimed PropertyUnemployment BenefitsPublic PensionsVital Records
Federal Agencies
Administration for Community Living (ACL)Black Lung Benefits ProgramBureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS)Defense Health Agency (DHA)Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)DOD Casualty Assistance ProgramDrug Enforcement Administration (DEA)Energy Employees Occupational Illness Program (EEOICPA)Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)Federal Communications Commission (FCC)Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)Federal Election Commission (FEC)Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)Federal Student Aid (FSA)Federal Trade Commission (FTC)Indian Health Service (IHS)Internal Revenue Service (IRS)National Credit Union Administration (NCUA)National Personnel Records Center (NPRC)National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)NOAA Commissioned Officer CorpsOffice of Personnel Management (OPM)Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC)Radiation Exposure Compensation Program (RECA)Railroad Retirement Board (RRB)September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (9/11 VCF)Social Security Administration (SSA)Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)Transportation Security Administration (TSA)U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)U.S. Coast Guard Casualty Assistance ProgramU.S. Copyright OfficeU.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)U.S. Department of StateU.S. Department of the TreasuryU.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (PHS)U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)United States Postal Service (USPS)USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA)
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Home→News

Estate Planning News

Estate planning and estate settlement news: tax exemptions, probate court changes, trust and will law, and the rulings that reach families. Summarized for families, not firms.

AllPlanning aheadSettling an estate
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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911 news posts

Connecticut Supreme Court Eases Probate Appeal Process

Connecticut Supreme Court Eases Probate Appeal Process

Discover how a new ruling in Connecticut streamlines probate court appeals, paving the way for quicker resolutions.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialJune 24, 2025
Navigating the Maze: Understanding Tax Law Changes in Estate Planning

Navigating the Maze: Understanding Tax Law Changes in Estate Planning

Demystifying the recent changes in tax law and their impact on estate planning – a must-read for anyone with substantial assets!
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialJune 23, 2025
California Trustees: Can Trust Funds Be Used for Legal Defense?

California Trustees: Can Trust Funds Be Used for Legal Defense?

Can California trustees use trust funds to defend themselves in court? Recent cases shed light on this complex issue.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialJune 20, 2025
AICPA’s Recommendations for IRS: Impacts on Estate Planning and Tax Law

AICPA’s Recommendations for IRS: Impacts on Estate Planning and Tax Law

Discover how AICPA’s recommendations to IRS could impact estate planning and tax law.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialJune 16, 2025
New York Courts Address AI Use in Estate Planning Cases

New York Courts Address AI Use in Estate Planning Cases

New York Surrogate’s Court requires attorneys to disclose AI-generated evidence in estate proceedings, affecting probate and trust litigation practices.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialJune 16, 2025
Major Inheritance Tax Changes Coming in 2026

Major Inheritance Tax Changes Coming in 2026

Get ready for major inheritance tax changes in 2026 that could affect your estate planning strategy!
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMay 30, 2025
How the GOP Tax Bill Could Redefine Your Estate Planning Strategy

How the GOP Tax Bill Could Redefine Your Estate Planning Strategy

The GOP’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’ could redefine your estate planning. Find out how this new tax law could impact you.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMay 21, 2025
Washington’s New Estate and Capital Gains Tax Changes Explained

Washington’s New Estate and Capital Gains Tax Changes Explained

Discover how Washington’s new tax law affects your estate planning.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMay 21, 2025
New Estate Tax Law: A Windfall for the Wealthy

New Estate Tax Law: A Windfall for the Wealthy

Explore the impact of the new $15 million estate tax exemption on wealth transfer.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMay 15, 2025
New Estate Tax Changes: What You Need to Know

New Estate Tax Changes: What You Need to Know

New estate tax laws will significantly increase exemptions in 2026. Find out how this impacts your estate planning strategies.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMay 15, 2025
Understanding the Impact of the New Tax Bill on Estate Planning

Understanding the Impact of the New Tax Bill on Estate Planning

Discover how the new tax bill impacts your estate planning strategies. Understand the changes and stay ahead of the game.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMay 12, 2025
South Carolina Court Affirms Trustee Removal in Disability Trust Case

South Carolina Court Affirms Trustee Removal in Disability Trust Case

South Carolina Court of Appeals affirms removal of trustee who moved disabled beneficiary from home against her wishes, awarding $130K+ in attorney fees.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialApril 22, 2025
Navigating the 2025 Tax Cliff: How ‘Death Taxes’ Impact Farm Families

Navigating the 2025 Tax Cliff: How ‘Death Taxes’ Impact Farm Families

Discover how the ‘death taxes’ looming in 2025 could impact farm families, and why estate planning has never been more crucial.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialApril 21, 2025
Demystifying the 2025 Tax Debate: Impact on Estate and Gift Taxes

Demystifying the 2025 Tax Debate: Impact on Estate and Gift Taxes

What will the expiration of key TCJA provisions mean for estate taxes in 2025? Discover how this might impact your estate planning strategies.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialApril 9, 2025
Maryland Keeps Estate Tax Exemptions Steady for 2025

Maryland Keeps Estate Tax Exemptions Steady for 2025

Discover how Maryland’s unchanged estate tax laws impact your estate planning in 2025.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialApril 8, 2025
Court Reverses Will Contest Ruling in Texas Case

Court Reverses Will Contest Ruling in Texas Case

A Texas court reversed a ruling on a contested will, emphasizing the importance of legal formalities in estate disputes.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialApril 7, 2025
North Carolina’s New Electronic Wills Act: Key Changes Ahead

North Carolina’s New Electronic Wills Act: Key Changes Ahead

Discover how North Carolina’s new Electronic Wills Act modernizes estate planning.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMarch 17, 2025
Unpacking the Impacts of Oregon’s Estate Tax Reform

Unpacking the Impacts of Oregon’s Estate Tax Reform

Explore how Oregon’s estate tax reform can impact individuals, not just the wealthiest but also many middle-income families.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialFebruary 28, 2025
Death Tax Repeal Act of 2025: What It Means for You

Death Tax Repeal Act of 2025: What It Means for You

Discover how the Death Tax Repeal Act of 2025 could impact your estate planning and inheritance.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialFebruary 16, 2025
Demystifying Roth Conversion Changes in the Trump Tax Cut Law

Demystifying Roth Conversion Changes in the Trump Tax Cut Law

Discover how the Trump Tax Cut Law’s changes to Roth conversions can impact your estate planning and what steps you should consider next.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialFebruary 14, 2025
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