Estate Articles

A Guide to Estate Planning for Married Couples
The complete guide to estate planning with a spouse, including the documents and decisions you both need to make.
Disinherit Someone from Your Will
Before making the choice to disinherit a family member or relative in your Last Will, consider the consequences of your decision.
How to Appoint a Guardian for Your Children
A parents' step-by-step guide on how to select a caregiver for their children.
How to be the Executor of an Estate
A step-by-step guide to being an executor and settling an estate.
How to Leave a Gift to Charity
Find out how you can make a donation to a charity or non-profit organization in your Last Will.
Intestate: Dying Without a Will
Intestate is a term that describes when a person dies without a Last Will and Testament. It may describe either a deceased person or their estate.
Personal Representatives of an Estate: The Ultimate Guide
How to choose an executor, attorney-in-fact, and personal representative in a Last Will, Power of Attorney, and Health Care Directive.
Probate: What Does it Mean?
Probate refers to both the process of a court determining the validity of a Last Will and Testament and the personal representative distributing the estate.
Right of Survivorship for Joint Tenants
The right of survivorship is a right granted to joint property owners that ensures the transfer of one owner's stake to the remaining owners in the case of death.
What Is an Online Notary?
In some cases, a contract isn't legally binding without a notary's seal or stamp of authentication. Learn how to save money and time with an online notary.
What Powers Can I Grant to My Attorney-in-Fact?
Your personal representative acts on your behalf. Find out what powers your agent has over your real estate, business, finances, and more.

Estate Checklists

Executor ChecklistHow to Execute Your Last Will and Testament

Estate Planning Documents

Last Will and TestamentA document used to distribute personal assets to beneficiaries after death.
Power of AttorneyA document used to name a personal representative in the event of incapacitation.
Health Care DirectiveA document that outlines personal health care preferences in the case of an emergency.
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