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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→Probate and Estate Administration News

Probate and Estate Administration News

News that reaches an estate in administration: probate court changes, small estate thresholds, executor and administrator rulings, and filing deadlines.

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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389 news posts

Wisconsin Successor Trustees: The Backbone of Trust Administration

Wisconsin Successor Trustees: The Backbone of Trust Administration

Wisconsin estate planning analysis highlights successor trustees as the operational backbone of trust administration, managing assets privately without court…
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialApril 21, 2026
When Stepchildren Block Property Transfer After Death

When Stepchildren Block Property Transfer After Death

Georgia widow faces property transfer battle with stepchildren after husband's death, highlighting need for proper estate planning in blended families.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialApril 21, 2026
Estate Tax Return Error Costs Family $2 Million Deduction

Estate Tax Return Error Costs Family $2 Million Deduction

Tax Court denies $2M marital deduction due to Form 706 preparation error, highlighting critical compliance requirements for estate tax returns.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialApril 20, 2026
Finding Lost Employer Benefits After a Parent's Death in NC

Finding Lost Employer Benefits After a Parent's Death in NC

North Carolina families face challenges locating deceased parents' employer benefits, impacting estate administration and beneficiary distributions.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialApril 18, 2026
North Carolina Will Validity: When Handwritten Changes Create Doubt

North Carolina Will Validity: When Handwritten Changes Create Doubt

North Carolina executor appointments remain valid despite handwritten will changes that don't meet legal standards for amendments.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialApril 18, 2026
Texas Probate Law: When Executors Can Be Removed From Office

Texas Probate Law: When Executors Can Be Removed From Office

Texas courts can remove executors for specific legal violations like duty failures, asset mismanagement, or dishonesty, but not for family disputes.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialApril 17, 2026
Estate Tax Collection Case Shows Risks of Installment Plans

Estate Tax Collection Case Shows Risks of Installment Plans

Federal court case shows how trustees and beneficiaries face personal liability when estate tax installment payments fail
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialApril 17, 2026
Nevada Estate Planning: Why Simple Trusts Work Better

Nevada Estate Planning: Why Simple Trusts Work Better

Nevada estate planning attorney emphasizes simple trust design over complex provisions to reduce administration challenges and family conflicts.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialApril 16, 2026
Wisconsin Estate Planning Reduces Inheritance Burdens and Delays

Wisconsin Estate Planning Reduces Inheritance Burdens and Delays

Wisconsin estate planning can eliminate inheritance delays and reduce administrative burdens through strategic use of trusts and proper documentation.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialApril 15, 2026
Real Estate and Probate: Oklahoma Professionals Navigate Complex Sales

Real Estate and Probate: Oklahoma Professionals Navigate Complex Sales

Oklahoma real estate professionals develop specialized expertise in probate property sales as families navigate complex legal requirements and extended…
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialApril 15, 2026
Estate Planning Delays Can Cost Families Everything

Estate Planning Delays Can Cost Families Everything

Michigan attorney shares how a woman who inherited smoothly from her parents' well-planned estate left her own family facing avoidable probate delays.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialApril 15, 2026
Wisconsin Pour-Over Wills Serve as Estate Planning Safety Net

Wisconsin Pour-Over Wills Serve as Estate Planning Safety Net

Wisconsin estate planning firms highlight pour-over wills as safety nets for unfunded trust assets, though proper trust funding remains the best probate…
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialApril 13, 2026
Kentucky Estate Planning: Unknown Laws and Hidden Threats

Kentucky Estate Planning: Unknown Laws and Hidden Threats

Kentucky estate planning requires understanding complex state laws and external threats that can undermine even well-crafted plans.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialApril 13, 2026
Texas Probate Options: Formal vs Informal Administration Guide

Texas Probate Options: Formal vs Informal Administration Guide

Texas families can choose between formal probate with court supervision or informal procedures like independent administration, with costs and timelines…
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialApril 9, 2026
Texas Probate Checklist: 9 Essential Steps for Estate Management

Texas Probate Checklist: 9 Essential Steps for Estate Management

Texas law firm releases comprehensive 9-step probate checklist highlighting critical deadlines, costs, and administrative requirements for estate management.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialApril 9, 2026
Texas Beneficiary Rights: What You Need to Know in 2026

Texas Beneficiary Rights: What You Need to Know in 2026

Texas beneficiaries have enforceable rights to information, fair treatment, and timely distributions under state law, with specific protections varying by…
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialApril 9, 2026
North Carolina Estate Distribution Disputes: Legal Options

North Carolina Estate Distribution Disputes: Legal Options

North Carolina provides legal remedies for estate distribution disputes, including formal objections and removal proceedings against personal representatives.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialApril 9, 2026
North Carolina Estate Challenge: When Siblings Withhold Assets

North Carolina Estate Challenge: When Siblings Withhold Assets

North Carolina beneficiaries can challenge executor misconduct through formal court accountings, bond claims, and specific legal remedies.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialApril 9, 2026
North Carolina Sibling Disputes Over Inherited Property

North Carolina Sibling Disputes Over Inherited Property

North Carolina families face legal remedies when siblings improperly sell inherited property without distributing proceeds to entitled beneficiaries.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialApril 9, 2026
Missouri Probate Threshold: When Estates Over $40,000 Need Attorneys

Missouri Probate Threshold: When Estates Over $40,000 Need Attorneys

Missouri estates over $40,000 require full probate with attorney representation, creating significant cost implications for families navigating estate…
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialApril 8, 2026
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