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ArticlesNewsLife Events
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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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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ArticlesNewsLife Events
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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
I'm an executor
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
I'm inheriting
Who Inherits CalculatorEstate & Inheritance Tax CalculatorInheritance Tax GuideStep-Up Basis CalculatorInherited IRA Withdrawal RulesPost-Death Tax Filing Guide
State Benefit Programs
Medicaid Estate RecoveryUnclaimed PropertyUnemployment BenefitsPublic PensionsVital Records
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→Trust News

Trust News

News that reaches a trust: trust code changes, trustee compensation and duty rulings, funding and titling decisions, and the cases that shape administration.

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

114 news posts

Revocable Living Trusts: Key Questions Answered

Revocable Living Trusts: Key Questions Answered

A Q&A guide breaks down how revocable living trusts work, who controls them, and why funding matters for families of all income levels.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialSeptember 18, 2026
California Trustee Fiduciary Duties Explained

California Trustee Fiduciary Duties Explained

California trustees face strict legal duties under state law. Learn what those duties require and what happens when they're breached.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialSeptember 18, 2026
Oregon Farm Estate Planning: Trusts, Taxes & Succession

Oregon Farm Estate Planning: Trusts, Taxes & Succession

Oregon's $1M state estate tax exemption and 6–12 month probate make farm succession planning urgent for agricultural families.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialSeptember 17, 2026
Update Your Georgia Will or Trust Before International Travel

Update Your Georgia Will or Trust Before International Travel

International travel reveals outdated Georgia estate plans. Review fiduciaries, trust funding, and beneficiary designations before you leave.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialSeptember 16, 2026
AI Estate Planning Documents: What Georgia Residents Should Know

AI Estate Planning Documents: What Georgia Residents Should Know

AI tools can draft estate documents, but Georgia's specific legal requirements create real risks for documents created without expert guidance.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialSeptember 15, 2026
Selling a Trust Home After Death in California

Selling a Trust Home After Death in California

California successor trustees can sell trust property without probate—if the home was properly titled. Here's what the process requires.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialSeptember 15, 2026
Special Needs Trusts in Colorado: What Families Need to Know

Special Needs Trusts in Colorado: What Families Need to Know

Colorado special needs trusts protect SSI and Medicaid eligibility while managing assets for beneficiaries with disabilities.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialSeptember 11, 2026
Leaving a House to Multiple Children: What Happens Next

Leaving a House to Multiple Children: What Happens Next

Leaving a home to multiple children equally sounds fair—until siblings disagree on selling, living there, or covering costs.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialSeptember 11, 2026
Digital Assets in a Georgia Estate Plan

Digital Assets in a Georgia Estate Plan

Georgia estate plans regularly miss digital assets. Here's what the gap costs families and how Georgia law addresses it.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialSeptember 10, 2026
Special Needs Trusts in Virginia: Protecting Benefits

Special Needs Trusts in Virginia: Protecting Benefits

Virginia families can protect a disabled child's SSI and Medicaid eligibility by using a special needs trust instead of a direct inheritance.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialSeptember 10, 2026
IRAs, Trusts, and Wisconsin Estate Plans: Aligning All Three

IRAs, Trusts, and Wisconsin Estate Plans: Aligning All Three

Wisconsin families often hold IRAs, trusts, and beneficiary forms that conflict. Here's how to align all three under state law.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialSeptember 9, 2026
AI Tools and Estate Data: What Alabama Families Need to Know

AI Tools and Estate Data: What Alabama Families Need to Know

Alabama attorney warns families about AI privacy risks when researching estate planning, special needs trusts, and Medicaid online.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialSeptember 8, 2026
What Idaho Living Trusts Do and Don't Do

What Idaho Living Trusts Do and Don't Do

Idaho living trusts avoid probate and protect privacy, but won't reduce taxes, qualify you for Medicaid, or shield assets from creditors while you live.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialSeptember 4, 2026
What Happens When Your Guardian Can No Longer Serve?

What Happens When Your Guardian Can No Longer Serve?

When a named guardian can no longer serve, courts decide. Here's why naming backup guardians and updating plans matters.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialSeptember 3, 2026
Life Insurance and Estate Plans Must Work Together

Life Insurance and Estate Plans Must Work Together

Life insurance proceeds follow beneficiary forms, not wills or trusts. Here's what families need to know about coordinating both.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialSeptember 3, 2026
Malcolm-Jamal Warner Estate Plan Gap Warning

Malcolm-Jamal Warner Estate Plan Gap Warning

Malcolm-Jamal Warner's estate dispute shows why signed documents alone don't make a functioning estate plan.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialSeptember 2, 2026
Estate Planning for California Creators and Artists

Estate Planning for California Creators and Artists

California creators face unique estate planning gaps around copyrights, royalties, and right of publicity that standard plans rarely address.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialSeptember 2, 2026
Montana Estate Planning: Key Questions Answered

Montana Estate Planning: Key Questions Answered

Montana Elder Law publishes answers to the most common estate planning questions Montana families bring to attorneys in 2026.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialAugust 31, 2026
When Inheritance Goes Wrong: Protecting Your Estate

When Inheritance Goes Wrong: Protecting Your Estate

A viral inheritance dispute reveals why beneficiary designations can override a will—and how trusts prevent this outcome.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialAugust 31, 2026
Choosing Estate Plan Roles in Colorado

Choosing Estate Plan Roles in Colorado

Selecting the right executor, trustee, and agents in Colorado determines whether your estate plan works when it matters most.
News
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialAugust 27, 2026
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