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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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Death Certificate CalculatorProbate Decision ToolEstate Settlement PlanWhat to Do When Someone Dies Checklist
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Home→News→Power of Attorney and Incapacity News

Power of Attorney and Incapacity News

News on powers of attorney and incapacity: statutory form changes, agent misuse and bank acceptance cases, guardianship reform, and healthcare directive rules.

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

97 news posts

Kentucky Estate Planning Mistakes Cost Families Thousands

Kentucky Estate Planning Mistakes Cost Families Thousands

Kentucky families face costly estate planning failures when DIY documents fail, powers of attorney are rejected, and plans ignore state-specific requirements.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMarch 12, 2026
Understanding Maricopa County’s Probate Process and Resources

Understanding Maricopa County’s Probate Process and Resources

Explore the Maricopa County Probate Department resources and learn how to navigate the probate process effectively.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMarch 9, 2026
Celebrity Conservatorship Disputes Highlight Estate Planning Risks

Celebrity Conservatorship Disputes Highlight Estate Planning Risks

Celebrity conservatorship disputes reveal how court-supervised arrangements can permanently damage family relationships and highlight the importance of…
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMarch 9, 2026
Why a Power of Attorney is Essential for Everyone

Why a Power of Attorney is Essential for Everyone

Discover why a power of attorney is a vital estate planning tool for everyone.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMarch 2, 2026
Connecticut Updates: Key Changes in Probate Court Procedures

Connecticut Updates: Key Changes in Probate Court Procedures

Discover recent updates in Connecticut’s Probate Courts that impact estate planning and guardianship.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialFebruary 6, 2026
Franklin County Probate Court Updates: Key Changes for 2023

Franklin County Probate Court Updates: Key Changes for 2023

Discover recent updates from the Franklin County Probate Court that could impact your estate planning decisions.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialJanuary 25, 2026
Essential Estate Planning Tips for Single Parents

Essential Estate Planning Tips for Single Parents

Discover essential estate planning strategies for single parents to protect their children’s future.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialJanuary 21, 2026
FBI Investigation Raises Questions in Detroit Probate Court

FBI Investigation Raises Questions in Detroit Probate Court

Discover how an FBI probe into Detroit’s probate court could reshape estate planning.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialJanuary 21, 2026
Ohio Attorney Suspended for Misusing Guardianship Funds

Ohio Attorney Suspended for Misusing Guardianship Funds

Ohio attorney Michael Juhola suspended for mishandling funds in guardianship cases—what does this mean for estate planning standards?
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialJanuary 5, 2026
Key Estate Planning Documents for Young Adults

Key Estate Planning Documents for Young Adults

Discover essential estate planning documents every adult needs.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialJanuary 3, 2026
Avoid Costly Estate Planning Mistakes: Key Insights

Avoid Costly Estate Planning Mistakes: Key Insights

Discover key estate planning insights to avoid costly mistakes today.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialJanuary 3, 2026
Montgomery County Probate Court Holiday Closure Announcement

Montgomery County Probate Court Holiday Closure Announcement

Mark your calendars! Montgomery County Probate Court has key holiday closure dates.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialDecember 22, 2025
Why Estate Planning Matters More Than You Think

Why Estate Planning Matters More Than You Think

Discover why estate planning is crucial for everyone, not just the wealthy.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialDecember 16, 2025
Navigating Financial Abuse in Estate Planning

Navigating Financial Abuse in Estate Planning

Discover how to protect your assets from financial abuse.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialOctober 8, 2025
Why Every Adult Needs a Health Care Proxy and Power of Attorney

Why Every Adult Needs a Health Care Proxy and Power of Attorney

Discover why a health care proxy and power of attorney are crucial for your estate plan, regardless of age or health status.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialSeptember 4, 2025
Why Every Parent with Young Kids Needs an Estate Plan

Why Every Parent with Young Kids Needs an Estate Plan

Discover why estate planning is crucial for parents with young children.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialAugust 27, 2025
Ohio Judge Reprimanded: Lessons for Estate Planning

Ohio Judge Reprimanded: Lessons for Estate Planning

A recent Ohio case highlights the impact of a judge’s misconduct on estate planning and guardianship disputes.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialAugust 21, 2024
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