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 ...

Probate is the legal process by which a deceased person's estate is settled. This includes validating their will (if any), paying off debts, and distributing assets as per the will or state law if ...

When I discuss estate planning with clients and get to the topic of real estate, a lot of clients say, “Both our names are on ...

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, ...

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 ...

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 ...

If you ask most people what they want out of an estate plan, the answer is usually: “Make the process easy on my family and ...

1) the property owner (grantor) retains life estate while granting to someone else (grantee) the remainder interest, and 2) the grantor retains the legal right to rescind the remainder interest to ...

Avoiding probate can save your beneficiaries time, reduce costs and protect their privacy while your estate is being settled. You can keep your Connecticut estate out of the probate court system by ...

Avoiding probate in Maine can help those looking to streamline the transfer of assets after their passing. Probate can be a lengthy and costly process, involving court supervision of the estate’s ...