Wills, Estates & Probate
Know what happens after a death — or plan ahead. Plain-English guides to wills, probate, dying without a will, executors and settling an estate, living trusts and avoiding probate, contesting a will, and powers of attorney. Estate law varies significantly by state, so always confirm the rules where you live.
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18 guides on wills, probate, and settling an estate across 1 topics.
Latest estate & probate guides
- How to Make a Will: Requirements and Common Mistakes
A will must meet your state's specific formalities to be valid. Learn the requirements, what mistakes most often void a will, and how to protect yours.
- Guardianship and Conservatorship: When an Adult Can't Manage Their Affairs
When a living adult can no longer manage their own affairs, courts can appoint a guardian or conservator — separate from probate and a POA.
- Can You Disinherit a Spouse or Child?
Learn when a spouse can be disinherited (rarely), when a child can be, and how pretermitted heir rules protect accidentally omitted children.
- Do You Owe Estate or Inheritance Tax? Federal vs. State
The federal estate tax hits only very large estates. Some states add their own taxes. Here is how to find out whether your estate owes anything.
- What Does an Executor Do? Duties and Responsibilities
An executor has a legal duty to inventory assets, pay debts and taxes, and distribute the estate. Learn what the role requires and what can go wrong.
- Revocable Living Trusts: What They Do (and Don't Do)
A revocable living trust avoids probate and helps manage incapacity — but it offers no automatic creditor shield or estate tax reduction.