Estate Planning Basics

Learn the essentials around planning and protecting the future for your family and loved ones.

How divorce affects your estate plan
A final divorce decree settles the financial and legal issues between you and your ex, but it doesn't change your estate planning documents. Find out why it's important to revise your estate plan when you divorce.
February 7, 2023 · 4 min read
How to remove a trustee from a family trust
If you are the creator, a co-trustee, or a beneficiary of a family trust and you believe a trustee is not acting properly, there are ways to go about removing or replacing a trustee.
February 7, 2023 · 4 min read
Living trust: Trustor vs. trustee
Are you thinking about setting up a living trust? If so, you need to understand the difference between the trustor and trustee, how the two are related, and the role of each.
February 6, 2023 · 3 min read
Naming a trustee in your deed of trust
If you're using a deed of trust to secure borrowed money, you need to understand the role of a trustee. Find out who can play this vital role in your real estate transaction.
February 6, 2023 · 2 min read
Using a survivorship deed
If you want to avoid the probate process, consider using a survivorship deed. Is this estate planning tool right for you?
February 3, 2023 · 2 min read
Why you should consider creating a testamentary trust
Testamentary trusts are common estate planning tools for those with minor children. Find out whether this type of trust is right for your situation and how to go about setting one up.
February 2, 2023 · 3 min read
Using an intentionally defective grantor trust to protect your assets
An intentionally defective grantor trust (IDGT) is an estate planning tool that can help preserve your assets for your beneficiaries. Get the details on how they work—and how they might save your beneficiaries from paying exorbitant estate taxes.
February 2, 2023 · 4 min read
Getting and using letters testamentary
If you're acting as the executor of an estate, you must first obtain an important document known as letters testamentary. While doing so is not an overly complicated process, there are some points you should know.
February 1, 2023 · 2 min read
Creating a grantor trust
In certain situations, creating a grantor trust can be an invaluable aid for estate planning purposes. Find out how to create a grantor trust and whether such a trust is the best tool for your estate planning needs.
February 1, 2023 · 3 min read
Buying and selling probate property
Probate property sold to settle an estate can be a great opportunity to buy real estate at an attractive price. Find out how and when probate property is sold and how to take advantage of it.
February 1, 2023 · 3 min read