Estate Planning Basics
Learn the essentials around planning and protecting the future for your family and loved ones.
-
Will vs. Living Trust: Which Is Best for Your Estate Planning?
Wills and trusts can help you shape an estate plan to fit your needs. Knowing the differences between wills vs. living trusts can help you decide whether you need just one or both.
· 9 min read
-
Primary vs. Contingent Beneficiary
One of the best ways to make sure your assets are handled according to your wishes is to designate both primary and contingent beneficiaries. Learn the difference between the two so you can make an informed decision.
· 38 min read
-
Your 2026 Guide to California Estate Planning
An estate plan accounts for what happens next—from medical care to inheritance decisions. Here’s what you should know about estate planning in California.
· 9 min read
-
Texas Estate Planning: Your Complete 2026 Guide
Estate plans include a will, a power of attorney, and advance directives that dictate what happens to your assets and how you’ll be cared for.
· 10 min read
-
Your 2026 Guide to Illinois Estate Planning
There’s no better time to plan for the future than the present. Here’s how estate planning works in Illinois and what you might include in yours.
· 9 min read
-
How to Add a Spouse to a House Deed: Complete Guide (2026)
You can add your spouse to your home’s deed by using a notarized quitclaim deed or adding them to your will.
· 7 min read
-
How Much Does Estate Planning Cost? 2026 Guide
Estate planning costs vary based on your location, estate complexity, and specific needs. Learn more about what to expect for various estate plans.
· 7 min read
-
Power of Appointment: Your Estate Planning Secret Weapon
When you create your estate plan, you have no way of knowing what your family's financial situation will be like when you pass away. Discover how a power of appointment can provide flexibility with your bequests.
· 5 min read
-
7 Tips for Getting Rid of Your Parents' Lifelong Possessions
It's a topic no one likes to think about: the inevitable clean-out of your parents' belongings. But as with many uncomfortable subjects, the best way to approach this one is to plan and start now. Here are some tips to help make the process easier, not only for you but also for your parents and other loved ones. 1. Talk to your parents If your parents are still around and can communicate their wishes, involve them in the process. Do your best to balance being sensitive to their preferences with practical concerns.
· 6 min read
-
Transfer on Death Deed: What It Is and How It Works
A transfer on death deed specifies who inherits property after the owner’s death, offering a simple and inexpensive way to avoid probate for real estate.
· 6 min read
