What is probate? Is there a way to avoid it? Do you need a will? Why is having a power of attorney more important than a will ...

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Bob Carlson researches all facets of retirement finances. About 70% of U.S. adults don’t have a will or trust, according to ...

Discover how a marital trust can offer tax benefits, avoid probate, and ensure asset distribution to a surviving spouse or ...

We constantly hear from advisors that we should plan our affairs in such a way as to avoid probate. What does the phrase mean and what property is subject to the probate process? What planning is ...

Putting everything you own into a living trust can feel like the safest way to help your kids skip probate, but some assets ...

We collaborate with the world's leading lawyers to deliver news tailored for you. Sign Up for any (or all) of our 25+ Newsletters. Some states have laws and ethical rules regarding solicitation and ...

Q: I am retired and unmarried, and I have three children who live in other states. They don't get along very well. I'm trying to avoid probate when I die so that there will be nothing my children need ...

Having a probate court wade through your estate can be time-consuming, stressful, and expensive. It can also be a public spectacle if disputes develop. Fortunately, there are numerous strategies to ...