Trusts & Estates

A beneficiary is a person or entity you legally name to receive assets, money, or other benefits, often upon your death. Beneficiaries can be designated in wills, trusts, life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and payable-on-death accounts. This article explains beneficiary types, how designations work, and common mistakes to avoid. A beneficiary is a person or […]

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, […]

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 […]

An estate administrator is a court-appointed personal representative who manages and settles an intestate estate (no valid will). They collect assets, pay debts and taxes, and distribute property to heirs under state law with court oversight. This article explains appointment priority, key duties, and how administrators differ from executors. Understanding the Role of an Estate […]

A revocable living trust is an estate planning document that lets you place assets into a trust while keeping full control and the power to change or cancel it anytime. It can help manage assets during life and streamline transfer to beneficiaries at death, often avoiding probate. This article explains how it works, key benefits, […]

A testamentary trust is a trust created in a will that takes effect only after the person dies. It lets a named trustee manage and distribute assets for beneficiaries under the will’s instructions, often to protect minors or control timing. This article explains how it works, key pros and cons, and when it’s used. Understanding […]

A trust is a legal arrangement with 3 roles: grantor, trustee, and beneficiary. The trustee holds and manages assets under written instructions for the beneficiary’s benefit. This article explains how trusts work, key types, and when attorneys use them in estate planning. Understanding Trusts: A Simple Guide A trust is a legal arrangement where one […]