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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

We constantly hear from advisors that we should plan our affairs in such a way as to avoid probate. What does the phrase mean and what property is subject to the probate process? What planning is ...

Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. What is probate? Is there a way to avoid it? Do you need a will? Why is having a power of attorney more important than a will? On ...

In John’s case, a trust could have helped his family avoid probate, protect their privacy and minimize estate taxes when his father died. A trust is a legal document that allows you to retain control ...

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 ...