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 ...

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, ...

Probate is the legal process of administering a Decedent’s Last Will & Testament (“Will”), whereby assets owned by the Decedent at death are distributed pursuant to the terms of their Will, or if ...

Michelle Ogata, Principal Attorney at Estate Planning Partners Hawaii, recently joined Kay Mukagawa of Engel and Volkers for a brand new edition of Living Akamai to shed light on probate and how to ...

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 ...

One of the biggest mistakes people make with estate planning is to assume that estate planning means getting a document. Whether it is a will, a revocable trust, living trust, or any other document, a ...

Q: I have been told that you can avoid probate without using a trust by registering your bank accounts a certain way. Is there any truth to this? A: With some clever planning, it may be possible to ...

Think estate planning is only for the wealthy? Think again. In this episode of the HerMoney Podcast, Jean Chatzky sits down with elder law attorney and former NY State legislator Ann-Margaret Carrozza ...