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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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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.
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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

Managing Family Conflict During Georgia Probate Proceedings

Managing Family Conflict During Georgia Probate Proceedings

Georgia families face unique challenges during probate as legal requirements intersect with family emotions, creating opportunities for conflict over…
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMay 3, 2026
NC Estate Debt Collection: When Creditors Can't Find Account Info

NC Estate Debt Collection: When Creditors Can't Find Account Info

North Carolina debt collectors can pursue estate claims without complete account info, but must still prove debt validity within the state's 3-month deadline.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialApril 29, 2026
NC Estate Debt Transfers: Tracking Collection Companies After Death

NC Estate Debt Transfers: Tracking Collection Companies After Death

North Carolina executors face complex debt verification challenges when collection companies transfer debts after death, requiring careful documentation and…
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialApril 29, 2026
North Carolina Personal Representative Bonds: When Required

North Carolina Personal Representative Bonds: When Required

North Carolina personal representatives typically must post bonds to protect estate assets, even when family members raise management concerns.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialApril 29, 2026
When Beneficiaries Should Serve as Executors or Trustees

When Beneficiaries Should Serve as Executors or Trustees

Washington families can name beneficiaries as executors or trustees, but clear estate planning and transparency help prevent conflicts during administration.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialApril 28, 2026
Kansas Probate Bond Rules: When Courts Require Protection

Kansas Probate Bond Rules: When Courts Require Protection

Kansas courts require probate bonds for financial protection, but proper estate planning can waive this costly requirement entirely.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialApril 27, 2026
Connecticut Letters Testamentary: Court Authority for Executors

Connecticut Letters Testamentary: Court Authority for Executors

Connecticut probate courts issue letters testamentary to grant executors legal authority, but families can avoid this costly process through proper estate…
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialApril 27, 2026
Arkansas Heirs Fight Probate Exclusion with Legal Remedies

Arkansas Heirs Fight Probate Exclusion with Legal Remedies

Arkansas heirs facing probate exclusion have legal remedies but must act quickly before court deadlines expire, according to new guidance from estate attorneys.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialApril 24, 2026
Virginia Estate Administration: 7 Common Mistakes That Create Personal Liability

Virginia Estate Administration: 7 Common Mistakes That Create Personal Liability

Virginia executors face personal liability for common estate administration mistakes, from premature distributions to missed deadlines with the Commissioner of…
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialApril 24, 2026
Estate Tax Penalties Rise After Valuation Disputes

Estate Tax Penalties Rise After Valuation Disputes

Tax Court ruling shows how estate valuation disputes can trigger substantial penalties, with one estate facing $2.4M in accuracy-related penalties.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialApril 23, 2026
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
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
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
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