Wills, Trusts and Probate Law

Probate attorneys handling wills, trusts, and estate administration must typically advise their clients on matters such as beneficiary designation, how to form a life estate in property, what will happen to property if your client fails to make an estate plan, and more. FindLaw’s Corporate Counsel Center Law Library has law articles written to help you better understand specific estate planning techniques and when to consider forming a trust on your client’s behalf. If your client needs a living will or an advance health care directive, click on the articles below to help inform your research and learn the requirements of each state, such as the number of witnesses necessary and who can be designated as a health care surrogate.

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Wills, Trusts and Probate Law Articles

Tax Law and Funding Future Education: A More Attractive Way to Save for College

Parents of college-bound children were thrilled when Qualified State Tuition Programs were first introduced. (See, Saving for College: A Tax-Favored Strategy, White and Williams Executive Newsletter, Summer 2000.) Now the news has gotten even better ...
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Tax Reform Update

Something exciting happened in Washington recently and, amazingly, it didn't involve anyone named Monica or Ken. A year after the famous "Tax Payers' Relief Act of 1997" (TRA '97), the kinks are finally being worked out by the newest tax act known ...
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Tax Strategies

Hiring family members at your business could have more benefits than you're aware of. With some careful planning and documentation, your family members can avoid taxes on some of their income. Not only will it help reduce the family tax burden come ...
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Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997

With Congress and the President promising tax relief and tax simplification for a number of years, there was little relief and a lot more complexity in the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 ("Act"). Maybe the Internal Revenue Code has to reach such a ...
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Ten Estate Planning Techniques To Consider

The 2001 Tax Act, which made substantial changes to the federal transfer tax laws, created uncertainties regarding how and when to embark upon or alter tax-focused estate planning. The Act increased the estate tax exclusion amount from $675,000 to ...
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Texas Estate Planning & Probate Law : Why Do I Need a Will?

A will is more than a formal written legal document setting forth how you would like your property handled at death. In your will, you can also specify guardians to take care of your minor children, establish trusts for your children's benefit and ...
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Texas Estate Planning and Probate Law: Why Do I Need a Will?

A will is more than a formal written legal document setting forth how you would like your property handled at death. In your will, you can also specify guardians to take care of your minor children, establish trusts for your children's benefit and ...
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The ABC’s of Estate Planning

Imagine the emotional pain of losing someone close to you, such as a parent or a sister or a brother. Then image discovering that this person failed to do any estate planning, leaving the family with the heavy responsibility of sorting out his or ...
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The Advantages of Revocable Living Trusts

When most people think of directing how their assets will pass at their deaths, they think of the need to execute a Will. However, depending upon the extent and complexity of a person's assets, a Will may not be the most beneficial testamentary ...
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The Art Of Setting Up A Trust

Any adult can establish a trust as long as they are mentally competent and not acting under the influence of drugs, alcohol or duress. A trust is established by a written trust document that appoints a "trustee" and gives detailed instructions on ...
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