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 ...

Living trusts can help avoid probate and simplify estate planning. Here’s how they work, their limits and who may benefit most.

When you die, estate planners say, one of the finest gifts you can leave your heirs is a plan for avoiding probate. Probate is a legal process that distributes a dead person’s assets and settles their ...

The topic of probate raises many questions, but the most frequently asked is a simple one: How can I avoid it? First, let’s understand what probate is. Probate is the legal process used to determine ...

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 ...

Can probate delays be avoided? Personal representatives, such as executors and administrators, play a key role in avoiding probate delays. These people are responsible for managing the estate, which ...

When a loved one dies, the last thing you want to think about is the headache, time and expense of going to Probate Court to settle the estate. There are several ways to avoid probate in Arizona. The ...

Why a living trust isn't the answer for all your assets.