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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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Home→News→News for Settling an Estate

News for Settling an Estate

News that reaches an estate already being settled: probate court and filing changes, creditor and tax deadlines, fiduciary duties, and the rulings that affect an executor or trustee mid-administration.

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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145 news posts

US Brokerage Inheritance Issues for Americans Living Abroad

US Brokerage Inheritance Issues for Americans Living Abroad

Americans living abroad face unexpected inheritance complications when US brokerage firms restrict transfers despite TOD designations.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialJune 2, 2026
When Texas Probate Becomes Litigation: What Families Need to Know

When Texas Probate Becomes Litigation: What Families Need to Know

Texas probate litigation transforms routine estate administration into formal court disputes, increasing costs and timelines significantly.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialJune 2, 2026
South Carolina Trustee Removal: Legal Grounds and Process

South Carolina Trustee Removal: Legal Grounds and Process

South Carolina provides dual pathways for trustee removal through court proceedings under state law or contractual provisions in trust documents.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialJune 2, 2026
Wisconsin Property Disputes Slow Probate When Heirs Disagree

Wisconsin Property Disputes Slow Probate When Heirs Disagree

Wisconsin property disputes during probate can extend timelines from 9-12 months to years, with legal costs escalating beyond typical 2-4% attorney fees when…
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialJune 2, 2026
Wisconsin Probate: Fast-Track Strategies to Avoid Delays

Wisconsin Probate: Fast-Track Strategies to Avoid Delays

Wisconsin probate delays stem from poor recordkeeping, will contests, and mandatory waiting periods that extend typical 9-12 month timelines significantly.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialJune 2, 2026
Texas Dependent Administration: When Courts Supervise Probate

Texas Dependent Administration: When Courts Supervise Probate

Texas dependent administration requires court supervision for estate actions, making probate more expensive and time-consuming than independent administration.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialJune 2, 2026
Missouri Executor Compensation: Understanding Statutory Fee Structure

Missouri Executor Compensation: Understanding Statutory Fee Structure

Missouri's statutory executor compensation follows a tiered percentage structure, with fees ranging from 2% to 5% based on estate value, but many personal…
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMay 25, 2026
California Probate Fees vs Trust Administration Costs in 2026

California Probate Fees vs Trust Administration Costs in 2026

California's probate fees often exceed 5% of estate value, while trust administration typically costs 1-2%, creating substantial savings for families.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMay 25, 2026
Nevada Raises Probate Thresholds to $500K in 2025

Nevada Raises Probate Thresholds to $500K in 2025

Nevada raised probate thresholds to $500K for summary administration in 2025, helping middle-class families avoid expensive general probate proceedings.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMay 24, 2026
Wisconsin Executor Removal: When Courts Step In During Probate

Wisconsin Executor Removal: When Courts Step In During Probate

Wisconsin courts can remove executors for misconduct, but the process requires formal legal proceedings and strong evidence of fiduciary breaches.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMay 24, 2026
Texas Court Rules Incomplete Beneficiary Form Valid Despite Missing Details

Texas Court Rules Incomplete Beneficiary Form Valid Despite Missing Details

Federal appeals court rules incomplete beneficiary form valid despite missing checkboxes, establishing precedent for intent over technical perfection in estate…
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMay 24, 2026
Connecticut Small Estate Affidavits Save Time and Costs

Connecticut Small Estate Affidavits Save Time and Costs

Connecticut's small estate affidavit allows families to settle estates under $40,000 with reduced court involvement, saving time and costs compared to full…
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMay 24, 2026
Virginia Out-of-State Executors Need Process Agents

Virginia Out-of-State Executors Need Process Agents

West Virginia requires nonresident executors to use County Clerks as process agents, highlighting interstate probate challenges.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMay 24, 2026
Six Strategies to Prevent Family Conflicts During Probate

Six Strategies to Prevent Family Conflicts During Probate

Six proven strategies help families prevent conflicts during probate, from clear documentation to transparent executor communication and professional guidance.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMay 24, 2026
Texas Probate Inventory Rules: 90-Day Filing Requirements

Texas Probate Inventory Rules: 90-Day Filing Requirements

Texas executors must file comprehensive estate inventories within 90 days of court appointment, creating immediate accountability and potential liability.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMay 4, 2026
Missouri Probate Process: Complete Guide for 2026

Missouri Probate Process: Complete Guide for 2026

Missouri families face complex probate procedures when loved ones pass away. Understanding the $40,000 threshold and statutory fees helps plan ahead.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMay 4, 2026
Missouri Probate Guide: Starting the Process in St. Louis City

Missouri Probate Guide: Starting the Process in St. Louis City

Fritz Law LLC releases comprehensive guide for starting probate in St. Louis City, detailing Missouri's multiple probate pathways and common pitfalls.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMay 4, 2026
Missouri Death Certificate Guide: Process, Costs, and Timeline

Missouri Death Certificate Guide: Process, Costs, and Timeline

Missouri families need certified death certificates to begin probate and handle estate matters, with specific eligibility rules and processing options…
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMay 4, 2026
Supreme Court Rules Heirs Can Continue Landlord Eviction Cases

Supreme Court Rules Heirs Can Continue Landlord Eviction Cases

Supreme Court rules that legal heirs can continue eviction cases after a landlord's death, providing crucial protection for inherited property rights.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMay 4, 2026
Law Offices Can Request Deceased Account Records During NC Probate

Law Offices Can Request Deceased Account Records During NC Probate

North Carolina law offices can request deceased account records during probate to help executors fulfill their fiduciary duties and compile required asset…
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMay 3, 2026
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