Wills, Probate, Trusts & Estate Articles
Articles of interest to the general public.
- Charitable Trusts: Tax Breaks for Do-Gooders
If you want to give a big gift to charity, consider a charitable trust. - Checklist for Getting Your Financial Affairs in Order
Take the following steps to help your family should you die or become incapacitated. - Choosing a Guardian for Your Children
If you have children, you should choose a personal guardian -- someone to raise them in the unlikely event you can't. - Choosing an Executor FAQ
- Duty of Medical Personnel to Honor Your Healthcare Directives
Know when health care providers must follow your instructions for medical care -- and when they may not. - Estate and Gift Tax FAQ
- Family Members' Right to Inherit
Your closest relatives may have a right to claim part of your estate. - FAQ for Executors
- Getting Your Retirement Money Early -- Without Penalty
Just can't wait for your retirement funds? Painless advice on how to get your retirement money early. - How Durable Powers of Attorney for Finances Work
Durable powers of attorney for finances -- a simple way to arrange for someone to handle your finances if you can't. - How Living Trusts Avoid Probate
Here's the lowdown on basic probate-avoiding living trusts. - Reducing Estate Tax by Making Gifts
Making gifts during your life can provide you with tax savings and more. - Reducing Estate Taxes by Transferring Ownership of Your Life Insurance Policy
Lower your beneficiaries' estate taxes by not owning your life insurance policy. - The Estate Tax Is Dead (Maybe)
The estate tax will be fully repealed by 2010 but may come back in 2011. - The Executor's Job
What's involved in wrapping up an estate. - The Perils of Prepayment Plans
Tips on shopping for funeral goods and services. - What You Can't Do in Your Will
Wills aren't the place to handle certain kinds of property or issues. - Wills FAQ