Wills

July 2, 2024When an estate goes through probate in California, the money and assets a person leaves behind will inevitably pay for this court-supervised process. Unfortunately, California has one of the most expensive probate procedures in the nation, which includes administrative charges, state-mandated fees paid to the executor and/or attorneys, as well fees associated with a variety… read more…

March 7, 2024A will or a “last will and testament” is more than just a legal document – it’s a declaration of your wishes concerning the distribution of your assets and the care of your minor children after you pass away. In Texas, the absence of a will leaves your estate subject to state intestacy laws, which… read more…

March 1, 2024Estate planning can help you avoid probate and ensure a successful transfer of assets from yourself to your beneficiaries. Probate can take a lengthy amount of time and cost your beneficiaries money if you don’t take steps to protect your estate. Here are four common ways you can avoid probate in Arkansas. For hands-on estate… read more…

March 1, 2024In the Golden State, the passing of a loved one not only brings emotional turmoil but also the complex and often misunderstood process of probate. Understanding the probate process is a pivotal aspect of estate planning that affects families and beneficiaries when they are most vulnerable. Unfortunately, California has one of the most expensive probate… read more…

November 4, 2025The creation of a last will and testament is an important undertaking that honors your legacy and protects your loved ones. The process of creating a will in the state of Texas is relatively straight forward, but there are specific rules and requirements you’ll need to adhere to in order to guarantee that your will… read more…

November 14, 2025Probate is the legal process of settling a deceased person’s estate, but in Missouri, as in many states, it can be time-consuming, costly and public. Fortunately, with thoughtful planning, it’s possible to transfer most or all of your assets outside of probate, ensuring a smoother and more private transition for your heirs. Avoiding probate often… read more…

February 16, 2024If you’re planning your estate, you may be wondering how to avoid probate – the court-administered process for validating a will, settling debts and distributing assets following someone’s death. In Maryland, like other states, there are strategies and estate planning moves you can make now to ensure your property bypasses probate and automatically transfers to… read more…

February 16, 2024The probate process can be time-consuming, extending to several months or sometimes years. Additionally, it can be a costly due to court, attorney and executor fees. Plus, probate is a public process, meaning the deceased person’s estate details, beneficiaries and will, become part of the public record. These concerns drive many individuals to seek other… read more…

February 14, 2024Sitting down to write a will can seem straightforward. After all, you’re just naming everyone who gets your money and property, right? However, a will is more complex than putting together a list. To be valid in Texas, a will must follow specific guidelines or risk being discarded in a probate court. Here’s what to… read more…

May 20, 2025When planning for the future of your assets, understanding the benefits of using a trust instead of a will can significantly impact how your estate is managed after you’re gone. While wills have traditionally been the standard document for estate planning, trusts offer several advantages that many people find compelling. Trusts allow your assets to… read more…

February 8, 2024Probate is the legal process through which a deceased person’s estate – including their assets and debts – is managed and distributed. Probate can be complex, time-consuming and potentially costly in Massachusetts, especially in cases of larger or disputed estates. However, there are ways to avoid probate altogether in the Bay State, but they require… read more…

February 8, 2024Probate can be a lengthy process, and cost your beneficiaries more than it should. It’s the process of distributing your assets if you haven’t properly planned out your finances for when you pass away. Avoiding this could help you save time and money. Here’s a breakdown of common estate planning strategies to avoid probate. But… read more…

November 18, 2025Probate is a legal process that deals with the assets and debts left behind after someone dies. Though necessary in some cases, it can be time-consuming, expensive and emotionally draining for the loved ones of the person who died. For these reasons, many people seek strategies to avoid probate. In Colorado, there are several legal… read more…

August 13, 2025Dealing with the loss of a loved one is already difficult. And when probate becomes part of the picture, it can bring more stress to you and your family. In Tennessee, unsecured assets enter probate court, which is a public process that could take months, and make your family vulnerable to disputes from other parties.… read more…

May 14, 2025Estate planning is an important process for securing your legacy and ensuring that your assets are distributed according to your wishes after you die. In New York, wills and trusts are two common tools used in estate plans. Each has advantages and disadvantages, and understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision for… read more…

August 3, 2025Probate in Alabama is a legal process used to validate a will and distribute a deceased person’s assets, but it can be time consuming and public. Methods like setting up a revocable living trust, adding payable-on-death designations to bank accounts or holding property jointly with rights of survivorship can allow assets to pass outside of… read more…

August 24, 2025Probate is a legal process that verifies the validity of a deceased person’s will. This involves addressing debts and distributing remaining assets. If you die without a will or a living trust, probate can substantially influence the transfer of your assets. However, there are some things you can do now to help avoid the probate… read more…

July 28, 2023In our increasingly digital world, online wills have emerged as a convenient and cost-effective means for basic estate planning. However, their legal validity can vary wildly based on state laws and complexities related to individual assets and wishes. To navigate the intricacies of estate planning, it may be beneficial to consult with a professional, such… read more…

February 17, 2025While notary fees generally don’t make people jump out of bed in the morning, they are vital to the certification and authentication of crucial documents, such as loan papers and wills. Notaries are impartial witnesses when you sign important documents, ensuring their legal validity and preventing fraud. While notary fees are typically necessary, there are… read more…

September 21, 2025When someone passes away, it’s up to their executor to handle the probate process. But what happens if the executor of a will dies? While that’s a rarity, it can create complications as someone else will need to fill the… read more…

July 10, 2025If you’re expecting an inheritance, you may be wondering how long it will take to receive it. You might consider a probate loan if you need funds sooner rather than later. A probate loan, also referred to as an estate… read more…

April 11, 2025Gentreo is an online estate planning tool that lets people create wills and other estate planning documents without the help of an attorney. Gentreo’s $100 fee plus $50 recurring subscription costs are much less than an attorney will charge. Yet… read more…

April 16, 2025For almost all households creating a will is a straightforward, if unpleasant, task. Many individuals will simply have some cash, investments and (often) a home to disperse. And they have a relatively small number of friends and relatives they can… read more…

August 18, 2025Epic Will is an online company that allows you to draft wills and other legal documents online in minutes, with minimal fees. There are will packages for individuals and married couples and all wills are drafted according to state-specific laws.… read more…

May 9, 2025When someone dies, others may be called on to manage their estate. An executor is charged with overseeing the distribution of someone’s assets according to the will or state inheritance laws if they die without a will. The deceased person’s… read more…