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 ...

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 ...

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

Jehan Crump-Gibson is an accomplished attorney and founder of her own law firm, Greal Lakes Legal Group, PLLC, specializing in business, real estate, and probate law. With over 16 years of experience, ...

Probate is the legal process of administering a Decedent’s Last Will & Testament (“Will”), whereby assets owned by the Decedent at death are distributed pursuant to the terms of their Will, or if ...

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 ...

Unlike a will, a living trust does not go through probate, which can save time and reduce legal costs. This can help streamline the process of distributing assets to designated beneficiaries without ...

One of the biggest mistakes people make with estate planning is to assume that estate planning means getting a document. Whether it is a will, a revocable trust, living trust, or any other document, a ...

Michelle Ogata, Principal Attorney at Estate Planning Partners Hawaii, recently joined Kay Mukagawa of Engel and Volkers for a brand new edition of Living Akamai to shed light on probate and how to ...

This process begins with filing a petition in the county court where the deceased resided. The court receives the death certificate then validates the will, if one exists. Next, the court appoints a ...