Jennie Lin

Attorney · Harvard Law School

Jennie Lin is a former legal editor in estate planning at Nolo. She wrote for Nolo.com and other sites in the Nolo Network and edited a variety of Nolo books. 

Legal career. Previously, Jennie was an attorney at Latham & Watkins LLP in New York, where she worked in several practice areas before settling into international arbitration. She has also interned at a state attorney general's office, the Housing Law Clinic at the Legal Services Center in Jamaica Plain, MA, and the Immigration and Refugee Clinic at Greater Boston Legal Services. 

Education. Jennie holds a BA from Harvard University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School, and is admitted to the New York State Bar.

Writing career. Jennie has also worked as a writer/editor for the last decade. She has written for companies and publications including Yahoo!, Kimpton Hotels, The New York Times, and NewYorker.com. She enjoyed working at Nolo in a rare position that allowed her to utilize her expertise in both law and writing daily. She found it especially rewarding to work in estate planning—an area of law that applies to pretty much everyone—and to help make the legal system just a touch more approachable.

Articles By Jennie Lin

The Meaning of "Children" in a Will
The word “children” in a will might seem simple, but it can get complicated due to circumstances like adoptions, stepparent relationships, and timing.
Must You Pay Income Tax on Inherited Money?
Beneficiaries generally don't have to pay income tax on money or other property they inherit, with the common exception of money withdrawn from an inherited retirement account (IRA or 401(k) plan).
How to Determine If a Will Is Valid
It isn't usually hard to tell whether or not a will meets your state's legal requirements for validity. Here's what to look for.
Payment for Serving as Trustee
Being a trustee can involve a lot of work. Depending on the type of trust—living trust vs. long-term trust—there may be ongoing responsibility, so compensation is usually part of the deal.
How Transfer-on-Death Beneficiaries Claim Vehicles
If a car was registered using a TOD form, probate won't be necessary. The beneficiary usually just needs a title and a death certificate.
Can the Executor of a Will Be Removed?
Can you "fire" the executor? A court can always remove an executor who is dishonest or seriously incompetent.
How to Tell If a Will Was Revoked or Replaced
It's not enough just to find the will--the executor also must make sure that the will-maker didn't revoke or replace it later.
What Is a Transfer on Death Deed?
If it's available in your state, a transfer on death deed (or beneficiary deed) is an easy way to leave your house to someone after you die. It also keeps your house out of probate.
How Can a Will Be Contested or Challenged in Court?
It's usually difficult to successfully challenge a will--but it happens.
The “Executor” of a Trust: The Successor Trustee
The person who serves as the "executor" of a living trust is called the "successor trustee."