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Legal Documents and Gavel Representing Conservatorship

What is conservatorship?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

A conservatorship is a court-ordered arrangement that appoints 1 conservator to manage the personal and/or financial affairs of an adult who can’t do so safely. It’s typically used when illness, disability, or age-related decline prevents informed decision-making and requires court oversight. This article explains how conservatorships work, who can petition, and key alternatives. A conservatorship […]

Gavel and Legal Documents Representing Trust Contest

Estate Litigation Probate Litigation

What is a trust contest?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

A trust contest is a legal challenge to the validity of a trust or specific trust provisions, typically filed in probate court and often subject to strict filing deadlines. It commonly alleges lack of capacity, undue influence, fraud, forgery, or improper execution. This article explains what a trust contest is, who can file, common grounds […]

Gavel and Legal Documents Representing Will Contest

Estate Litigation Probate Litigation

What is a will contest?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

A will contest is a legal challenge to the validity of a will, typically filed in probate court after the person dies. It usually alleges issues like lack of capacity, undue influence, fraud, improper execution, or a newer will that supersedes the old one. This article explains who can contest a will, common grounds and […]

Elderly Person Signing Document with Concerned Expression

Elder Law Estate Litigation

What is an undue influence claim?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

An undue influence claim alleges that someone used manipulation or pressure to override another person’s free will—often affecting a will, trust, or major financial decision. It commonly arises when a vulnerable person is isolated or dependent and a trusted individual benefits unexpectedly. This article explains the legal elements, red flags and evidence, who can file, […]

Person Handwriting a Will on Paper with Pen

Estate Planning Probate

What is a holographic will?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

A holographic will is a will written and signed in the testator’s own handwriting, and in many states it can be valid without witnesses. It’s often used in emergencies, but strict rules about handwriting, signature, and clear intent determine whether a court will accept it. This article explains how holographic wills work, which states recognize […]

Elder Law Estate Planning

What is a codicil?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

A codicil is a written legal amendment to an existing will that changes, adds, or revokes specific provisions without replacing the entire document. It must generally be executed with the same formalities as a will—such as proper signing and witnessing—to be valid under state law. This article explains what a codicil is, when to use […]

Elder Law Estate Planning

What is a gift tax?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

Gift tax is a federal tax that may apply when you give someone more than the annual exclusion amount—$18,000 per recipient in 2024—though most people owe $0 because of the lifetime exemption. In many cases, you still must file IRS Form 709 to report gifts above the limit, even if no tax is due. This […]

Inheritance Tax Documents and Calculator

Estate Planning Probate

What is an inheritance tax?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

Inheritance tax is a state tax some beneficiaries may owe on inherited money or property, and only a handful of U.S. states currently impose it. The rate and exemption depend on where the deceased lived and your relationship to them, with spouses often exempt and more distant heirs paying more. This article explains how inheritance […]

Family Discussing Estate Tax Documents with Financial Advisor

Estate Planning Probate & Estate Administration

What is estate tax?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

Estate tax is a federal tax on the transfer of a person’s assets at death, and in 2025 it generally applies only to estates above the federal exemption (about $13.6 million per person). Some states also impose their own estate or inheritance taxes with lower thresholds. This article explains how estate tax works, what counts […]

Family Discussing Inheritance Documents Together

Estate Planning Probate & Estate Administration

What is an inheritance?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

An inheritance is the money, property, or other assets a person receives after someone dies, typically through a will, trust, or state intestacy laws. The amount and timing depend on the decedent’s estate plan, outstanding debts, and probate or trust administration requirements. This article explains what counts as an inheritance, how it’s transferred, who is […]

Elderly Couple Reviewing Estate Planning Documents

Estate Planning Probate Administration

What is a bequest?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

A bequest is a gift of money, property, or other assets made through a will to a named beneficiary, organization, or charity. It takes effect only after the will-maker dies and the estate is administered, and it can be specific (a particular item) or general (a sum of money). This article explains how bequests work, […]

Family Tree Diagram Showing Inheritance Connections

Estate Planning Probate and Estate Administration

What is an heir?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

An heir is a person legally entitled to inherit property from someone who dies, either under a valid will or under state intestacy laws when there is no will. Heir priority typically follows family relationships such as spouses, children, parents, and other relatives. This article explains who qualifies as an heir, the main types of […]

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