Wills & Estate Planning

Wills & Estate Planning

Will Walk-Through: Understanding Parts of a Will

Your will is your main tool to express your wishes for your estate. Understanding the parts of a will can help you create a valid will more easily.

By Jessica Sillers

Wills & Estate Planning

How to Be the Executor of an Estate: Duties & Responsibilities

If you’re the executor of an estate, it’s up to you to distribute your loved one’s belongings correctly. Here’s how.

By Beth Braverman

Wills & Estate Planning

Probate 101: What You Should Know About Probate (or Avoiding Probate)

When you’re grieving, a complicated legal and financial process is the last thing you want to deal with. Your guide to probate: made simple.

By Jessica Sillers

Wills & Estate Planning

How to Choose a Will Beneficiary: What You Need to Know

Your will beneficiary is the person who will inherit your stuff when you die. Deciding who to choose can be tough. Read this to get started.

By Jessica Sillers

Wills & Estate Planning

Picking a Guardian for Your Child: The 5 Questions to Ask

Check out these questions to consider when choosing a guardian for your child in your will. This is important, so get it right!

By Anna Davies

Wills & Estate Planning

What Is Power of Attorney, and Do I Need One?

Power of attorney can be helpful if ever you were to become incapacitated, to help account for your financial and medical wellbeing.

By Allison Kade

Wills & Estate Planning

Different Types of Power of Attorney (and Which Is Right for You)

There are a number of different types of POA, which vary according to how much control they grant the agent, how long they last and when they take effect.

By Jessica Sillers

Wills & Estate Planning

Are You Someone's Power of Attorney? Questions POA Agents Should Ask

If a family member names you as his or her POA agent, here are some things you’ll want to discuss beforehand.

By Allison Kade

Wills & Estate Planning

What a Will Doesn't Cover: Pets, Funeral Arrangements, Digital Assets and More

We'll explain some of the things a will doesn't cover and special situations to be alert for.

By Allison Kade

Wills & Estate Planning

What Is a Last Will and Testament, and Who Needs One?

A last will and testament is one of those things you probably don’t want to think about on a random Sunday at the park, and one you’ll be so glad you did.

By Allison Kade

Wills & Estate Planning

Last Will and Testament: Frequently Asked Questions

By Allison Kade

Wills & Estate Planning

How to Make Your Last Will and Testament Legally Binding in Each State

Each state has its own requirements for what makes a last will and testament legally binding. We'll break it down for you, state by state.

By Allison Kade

Wills & Estate Planning

How Much Do Will Executors Get Paid in Each State?

Executors of a will may be entitled to payment for their work. This state-by-state guide breaks down what you can expect, wherever you are in the United States.

By Jessica Sillers

Wills & Estate Planning

What Is a Trust Fund and How Does It Work?

Trust funds aren’t only for the very wealthy. Here's how they work, how to set one up and why you might want to consider having one.

By Cari Wira Dineen

Wills & Estate Planning

One Action That Makes Life Insurance and Estate Planning so Much Easier

Creating an “in case of death” doc can save loved ones time, frustration and maybe even money. Here’s how to do it right.

By Lynn Shattuck