Wills and Trusts

What Is a Living Will?

The terms "living will," "health care directive," and "advance directive" all refer to the legal document that lets people state their wishes for end-of-life medical care.

Why You Need a Will

Everyone should have the most basic estate planning document: a simple will.

What Does The Executor Do When There's No Will?

If you're wrapping up an estate and can't find a will—or the will you've got isn't valid—state law steps in.

What Is a Living Trust?

Revocable living trusts, created to avoid the expense and delay of probate, are the most common kind of trust.

How to Read a Will

It's not always easy going, so here's a guide to help you through the will.

Will Probate Be Necessary?

Executors might be pleasantly surprised to find that they won't need to conduct a whole probate court proceeding.

Steps in the Probate Process: An Overview

Here's a roadmap of the common steps involved in the probate process.

Transferring Real Estate After Death

The process for transferring a deceased person's house or real estate to the new owner depends on many factors.

Handling Bank Account Funds in an Estate

What happens to cash accounts that belonged to the deceased person? It depends on how the accounts were held.