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Estate Planning & Probate

Wills, trusts, probate, guardianship, and elder law

Topics

Topics in Estate Planning & Probate

Wills

A will is the foundation of estate planning. Without one, state law—not you...

Trusts

Trusts offer flexibility, privacy, and potential tax benefits that wills cann...

Probate

Probate is the legal process of settling an estate. Understanding how it work...

Power of Attorney

A power of attorney lets someone you trust make decisions if you cannot. This...

Guardianship

Guardianship allows you to make decisions for someone who cannot make them fo...

Elder Law

Elder law addresses the unique legal needs of aging individuals—from health...

Estate Litigation

Estate litigation arises when there are disputes over wills, trusts, or an es...
Resources

Legal Guides

Estate Planning & Probate

Wills and Last Testaments Guide: Creating a Legally Valid Will in 2026

A will ensures your property goes to chosen beneficiaries and can name guardians for minor children. Without one, state intestacy laws decide who inherits. Learn will requirements, when DIY wills work, and when attorney assistance is essential to avoid costly probate disputes.

January 19, 2026
Estate Planning & Probate

Will Requirements by State: Witnesses, Notarization, and Holographic Will Rules

Will validity requirements differ by state—most require two witnesses, some accept handwritten wills, and notarization provides extra protection. Failing to meet your state requirements can invalidate your entire will. Review specific rules for your state and common execution mistakes.

January 19, 2026
Estate Planning & Probate

Trusts Guide: Understanding Different Trust Types and When You Need One

Trusts offer benefits wills cannot—avoiding probate, protecting assets, minimizing taxes, and providing for beneficiaries with special needs. Learn the difference between revocable and irrevocable trusts, how trusts work, and whether a trust makes sense for your estate planning goals.

January 19, 2026
Estate Planning & Probate

Revocable Living Trusts: Avoiding Probate While Maintaining Control

Revocable living trusts let you avoid probate while retaining full control of assets during your lifetime. You can change or revoke the trust at any time. Learn how to fund your trust properly, successor trustee selection, and whether pour-over wills are necessary as backup.

January 19, 2026
Estate Planning & Probate

Probate Guide: Understanding the Court Process for Estate Settlement

Probate is the legal process for validating wills, paying debts, and distributing assets under court supervision. While often avoidable with proper planning, many estates must go through probate. Learn what triggers probate, typical timelines and costs, and the executor role in the process.

January 19, 2026
Estate Planning & Probate

Probate Process Step by Step: From Filing to Final Distribution

Probate follows a defined sequence: petition filing, executor appointment, creditor notification, asset inventory, debt payment, and beneficiary distribution. Missing steps or deadlines can delay the process significantly. Follow the complete probate timeline with key deadlines and court requirements.

January 19, 2026
Estate Planning & Probate

Power of Attorney Guide: Authorizing Someone to Act on Your Behalf

A power of attorney lets you designate someone to handle financial or healthcare decisions if you become incapacitated. Without one, your family may need costly guardianship proceedings. Learn POA types, choosing the right agent, and limitations on agent authority.

January 19, 2026
Estate Planning & Probate

Financial Power of Attorney: Authorizing Property and Money Management

A financial POA grants authority over banking, investments, real estate, and other financial matters. Powers can be broad or limited to specific transactions. Learn when financial POA takes effect, agent responsibilities, third-party acceptance issues, and safeguards against abuse.

January 19, 2026
Estate Planning & Probate

Guardianship Guide: Legal Authority Over Incapacitated Adults or Minors

Guardianship provides court-appointed authority over someone who cannot make decisions for themselves due to age, disability, or incapacity. The process is costly and removes autonomy. Learn when guardianship is necessary, the court process, and less restrictive alternatives to consider first.

January 19, 2026
Estate Planning & Probate

Guardian of the Person: Decision-Making for Healthcare and Daily Living

Guardians of the person make decisions about medical care, living arrangements, and daily welfare for someone deemed incapacitated by the court. Learn the duties involved, required court reporting, healthcare decision authority, and working with medical providers as guardian.

January 19, 2026
Estate Planning & Probate

Elder Law Guide: Legal Issues Affecting Seniors and Their Families

Elder law covers the unique legal needs of aging adults—Medicaid planning, long-term care, Medicare appeals, elder abuse protection, and end-of-life planning. Learn how elder law differs from general estate planning and when to consult a specialized elder law attorney.

January 19, 2026
Estate Planning & Probate

Medicaid Planning: Protecting Assets While Qualifying for Long-Term Care Benefits

Medicaid has strict asset and income limits, but legal planning strategies can help protect assets while qualifying for nursing home coverage. The 5-year lookback period makes early planning essential. Learn Medicaid eligibility rules, exempt assets, and permissible planning techniques.

January 19, 2026
Estate Planning & Probate

Estate Litigation Guide: Disputes Over Wills, Trusts, and Inheritances

Estate disputes arise from will contests, fiduciary breaches, trustee misconduct, and inheritance disagreements. Litigation is expensive and damages family relationships. Learn common estate disputes, litigation procedures, realistic outcomes, and whether mediation is appropriate for your situation.

January 19, 2026
Estate Planning & Probate

Will Contests: Challenging the Validity of a Last Will and Testament

Will contests challenge document validity based on lack of capacity, undue influence, fraud, or execution defects. Standing requirements limit who can contest, and deadlines are strict. Learn grounds for will contests, evidence needed, no-contest clause implications, and success rates.

January 19, 2026