Wills, Trusts & Probate

Estate Planning When You're Elderly or Ill

If you've put off estate planning, take these steps to protect your family.

Estate Planning for Unmarried Partners

Without the right estate planning, your partner could be left out in the cold.

Self-Settled Asset Protection Trusts

You may be able to protect your property from future liabilities like creditors or legal judgments against you.

The Simple Will: No Frills, No Fuss, No Anxiety

If we do nothing else to take care of our legal affairs, we should write a will. Even a basic will can do a lot.

What a Will Won't Do

Many kinds of property—perhaps some of the most valuable things you own—don't necessarily pass through your will. Here are some things you shouldn't expect to accomplish in your will.

Living Trust FAQ

An introduction to living trusts—a popular way to avoid probate.

Why You May Not Need a Living Trust

Some people need a living trust immediately, others will never need one, and most of us fall somewhere in the middle. Factors to consider are how old you are, how wealthy you are, and whether you are married.

Other Advantages of a Living Trust

The main reason for setting up a revocable living trust is to save your family time and money by avoiding probate after your death. But there are other benefits as well.

Living Wills and Powers of Attorney for Health Care: An Overview

Put your health care wishes in writing, in case you are ever unable to speak for yourself.

About Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) Forms

A POLST form helps you get the end-of-life treatment you want. Find out more about POLST, POST, MOLST, and MOST forms in your state.

Durable Financial Power of Attorney: How It Works

The durable financial power of attorney is a simple way to arrange for someone to handle your finances.

Financial Powers of Attorney: Do You Need One?

Almost everyone can benefit from a durable power of attorney for finances.

A Plan for Your Digital Assets

How to include online accounts and digital files in your estate plan.

Access to Online Accounts: Helping Your Executor and Loved Ones

Make sure your executor or another trusted person can find the passwords and usernames for your digital accounts.

Practical Estate Planning: Organize Your Documents

Help your family -- and make your executor's job easier -- by getting your paperwork in order.