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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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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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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
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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
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Who Inherits CalculatorEstate & Inheritance Tax CalculatorInheritance Tax GuideStep-Up Basis CalculatorInherited IRA Withdrawal RulesPost-Death Tax Filing Guide
State Benefit Programs
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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→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
NewsArticles

389 news posts

Why Financial Advisors Are Key to Modern Estate Planning

Why Financial Advisors Are Key to Modern Estate Planning

Discover why financial advisors are becoming essential for estate planning.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMarch 4, 2026
Preserving Assets in Michigan Probate Litigation: Key Insights

Preserving Assets in Michigan Probate Litigation: Key Insights

Discover how Michigan probate courts preserve assets during litigation.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMarch 4, 2026
Navigating US Estate Taxes for Indian Residents with Assets

Navigating US Estate Taxes for Indian Residents with Assets

Explore the tax implications for Indian residents holding US assets.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMarch 3, 2026
Why Updating Your Beneficiary Designations is Crucial

Why Updating Your Beneficiary Designations is Crucial

Outdated beneficiary designations can jeopardize your estate plan. Learn why regular updates are essential.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMarch 3, 2026
Understanding Simple vs Complex Trusts in Estate Planning

Understanding Simple vs Complex Trusts in Estate Planning

Discover the key differences between simple and complex trusts in estate planning to protect your assets and beneficiaries.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMarch 3, 2026
Florida Lawmakers Streamline Uncontested Probate Process

Florida Lawmakers Streamline Uncontested Probate Process

Florida lawmakers have passed a new bill to simplify uncontested probate processes, benefiting countless families navigating estate matters.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialFebruary 27, 2026
Recent Changes in U.S. Estate Planning Law You Should Know

Recent Changes in U.S. Estate Planning Law You Should Know

Discover the latest updates in U.S. estate planning laws and how they might affect your estate management.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialFebruary 27, 2026
Ohio Probate Court Updates on COVID-19 Policies

Ohio Probate Court Updates on COVID-19 Policies

Discover the latest updates from the Butler County Probate Court regarding COVID-19 policies and their impact on estate planning.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialFebruary 27, 2026
Montgomery County Probate Court: What You Need to Know

Montgomery County Probate Court: What You Need to Know

Learn how Montgomery County Probate Court ensures smooth estate management and what you need to know for your planning.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialFebruary 27, 2026
Combatting Lost Wills: New Solutions for Estate Planning

Combatting Lost Wills: New Solutions for Estate Planning

Discover innovative solutions to prevent lost wills and protect your estate!
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialFebruary 27, 2026
Recent Developments in Estate and Trust Law You Should Know

Recent Developments in Estate and Trust Law You Should Know

Stay informed about recent changes in estate planning laws and how they affect your family’s financial future.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialFebruary 27, 2026
Navigating Marital Assets in Estate Planning Changes

Navigating Marital Assets in Estate Planning Changes

Discover how recent trends are reshaping marital asset planning.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialFebruary 27, 2026
Essential Insights on Probate Law for Seniors

Essential Insights on Probate Law for Seniors

Discover essential insights into probate law and how to protect your legacy.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialFebruary 26, 2026
Oregon Estate Tax Bill Would Raise Threshold to $2.5 Million

Oregon Estate Tax Bill Would Raise Threshold to $2.5 Million

Oregon Senate passes bill raising estate tax threshold from $1M to $2.5M, providing middle-class relief while increasing rates on estates over $3M.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialFebruary 26, 2026
Inheritance Disputes: Sibling vs. Fiancé Over Assets

Inheritance Disputes: Sibling vs. Fiancé Over Assets

Explore a sibling’s battle with a fiancé over their deceased brother’s assets and the complexities of estate planning.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialFebruary 24, 2026
Why You Might Need Both a Will and a Trust

Why You Might Need Both a Will and a Trust

Learn why a combination of a will and a trust may be crucial for your estate plan.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialFebruary 24, 2026
New Estate Planning Changes You Need to Know Now

New Estate Planning Changes You Need to Know Now

Discover the latest estate planning changes that could impact your family’s future and how to prepare for them today.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialFebruary 23, 2026
How Probate Can Impact Foreclosure in North Carolina

How Probate Can Impact Foreclosure in North Carolina

Discover how probate can delay foreclosure in North Carolina and what it means for homeowners.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialFebruary 19, 2026
Recent Updates in California Estate Planning Law

Recent Updates in California Estate Planning Law

Discover how recent California court decisions affect your estate planning strategies.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialFebruary 19, 2026
Connecticut Law Triumphs in Trust Dispute Case

Connecticut Law Triumphs in Trust Dispute Case

Discover how a Texas court ruled on trust modifications under Connecticut law.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialFebruary 16, 2026
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