Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. SungardenInvestment.com, former investment advisor and fund manager. Estate planning is an often overlooked topic during the ...

Probating an estate is an expensive, time-consuming and sometimes adversarial affair. It is possible, and sometimes advisable, to avoid probate. With the help of an estate planner and, perhaps, an ...

According to a 2025 survey by Caring.com, only 24% of Americans have a will or estate plan, down 25% from 2024. The survey ...

Too many people focus on their current financial circumstances and don’t think about the future until it’s too late. There are varied reasons people avoid estate planning or making a will. A 2015 ...

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Matthew F. Erskine is a trusts and estates attorney. The 58th Annual Heckerling Institute on Estate Planning is scheduled to take ...

You do not have to be wealthy to start considering an estate planning strategy. Most people have something of value that they want to pass along to loved ones. Passing along something of value to a ...

As you grow older, it’s important to have a secure estate plan in place so you know your assets and family will be taken care ...

Nobody wants to think about the fact that they’ll die one day, but a responsible guy considers how his family and friends will suffer after he’s gone. You want them to properly mourn your passing, not ...

A major hurdle in estate planning is that advisors and clients often don’t know where to start. Even with digital solutions available, many clients still feel overwhelmed. This is where you have the ...

When a loved one passes on, moving through grief while managing their estate can be difficult. If they do not leave a will or a trust, it can make the grief process that much harder. We have all heard ...

Before diving into the details of estate planning, take a moment to assess your current situation. If you’re a first responder, ensuring your financial affairs are in order is critical for peace of ...