Living Trusts: How They Work and Who Needs One Living Trusts Written by Cynthia Chow, reviewed by Peter Thornbull Topic hubUpdated July 2026·Living trusts overview·11 min read In short A living trust is a legal container you create during life to hold your assets, so they can pass to your beneficiaries without probate and be…
Wills: Guides, Costs, and How to Get Started Wills Written by Jason Wolkaski, reviewed by Peter Thornbull Topic hubUpdated July 2026·Wills overview·11 min read In short A will is the legal document that says who gets your property, who settles your estate, and who raises your minor children after you die. It is the foundation…
What If a Beneficiary Dies Before Me? (2026) What If a Beneficiary Dies Before Me? Written by Shawn Thame, reviewed by Peter Thornbull WillsPublished June 2026·8 min read Short answer The gift to that beneficiary normally lapses (it fails). What happens next depends on your will and state law: a named backup takes it, a…
Can I Disinherit My Child? (2026) How to Do It Can I Disinherit My Child? Written by Cynthia Chow, reviewed by Peter Thornbull WillsPublished June 2026·8 min read Short answer In most states, yes, you can disinherit an adult child, but only if you do it clearly and explicitly in a valid will. Simply leaving…
What If the Executor Isn’t Doing Their Job? (2026) What If the Executor Isn’t Doing Their Job? Written by John Ma, reviewed by Peter Thornbull ProbatePublished June 2026·8 min read Short answer You have options. Start by requesting information and a written accounting. If the executor keeps stalling or mismanaging the estate, you can petition…
Can My Spouse Change Our Will Without Me? (2026) Can My Spouse Change Our Will Without Me? Written by Terry Shaw, reviewed by Peter Thornbull WillsPublished June 2026·8 min read Short answer Usually yes. Most couples do not have one shared will; they have two separate, matching mirror wills. Each spouse can change their own…
What Happens to My House If I Die Without a Will? What Happens to My House If I Die Without a Will? Written by Shawn Thame, reviewed by Peter Thornbull ProbatePublished June 2026·8 min read Short answer If you die without a will, your house passes under your state’s intestacy laws, usually to your spouse,…
Can a Trustee Remove a Beneficiary? (2026) Can a Trustee Remove a Beneficiary? Written by Jason Wolkaski, reviewed by Peter Thornbull TrustsPublished June 2026·8 min read Short answer Usually no. A trustee must follow the trust’s written terms and owes a fiduciary duty to all beneficiaries. A trustee generally cannot remove a beneficiary they dislike….
Who Needs a Living Trust? (2026) Who Needs a Living Trust? Written by Terry Shaw, reviewed by Peter Thornbull TrustsPublished June 2026·8 min read Short answer A living trust is most worthwhile for homeowners, people with larger or multi-state estates, and anyone who wants to avoid probate, keep their affairs private, or plan for incapacity….
What Is a Trust Fund? (2026) How They Work What Is a Trust Fund? Written by Cynthia Chow, reviewed by Peter Thornbull TrustsPublished June 2026·8 min read Short answer A trust fund is a legal arrangement that holds assets, money, property, or investments, managed by a trustee for the benefit of a beneficiary. The person…