A special needs trust (sometimes called a supplemental needs trust) preserves eligibility by owning assets for the beneficiary and spending them only in ways that supplement—rather than replace—government support. At the heart of every special needs trust is the trustee, charged with administering the trust in accordance with complex laws and regulations. The trustee’s role is both vital and challenging, requiring diligence, compassion, and an understanding of public benefit

Because animals are legally considered property, they cannot inherit money or assets directly, and without proper planning, they risk ending up with someone who may not know them or want them. Including pets in your estate plan is therefore essential to ensure that they continue to receive the love, care, and stability they’ve always known.

The digital world offers enormous opportunities for creativity, connection, and investment. Yet without proper planning, those opportunities can turn into challenges for the people you leave behind. Estate planning and trust administration must adapt to include digital assets as a standard element. By cataloguing your online property, granting authority to your fiduciaries, choosing capable people to manage your accounts, and updating your plans regularly, you protect your on

Executor and trustee compensation is one of the most delicate topics in estate and trust administration. Fiduciaries deserve to be paid for their work and the personal liability they assume, yet fees that are opaque or excessive breed resentment and can undermine family harmony. Understanding how fees are determined—whether by the governing document, statutory schedules, or the multifactor reasonableness standard—allows both fiduciaries and beneficiaries to approach the topic

When a person establishes a trust, they often have more than one beneficiary in mind. A spouse might receive income during their lifetime, while children or grandchildren are slated to inherit what remains. This creates two distinct classes of beneficiaries: those who benefit now and those who benefit later. Navigating these competing interests is one of the most challenging aspects of administering a trust. At the heart of this challenge lies the trustee’s duty of impartiali

Communication and transparency are at the heart of good trust administration. By keeping beneficiaries informed and providing regular accountings, trustees build trust, avoid conflict and fulfill their legal duties. Beneficiaries, in turn, should understand their rights to information and act if those rights are ignored. A well‑managed trust is not a secret—it is a collaboration between the trustee and the beneficiaries, grounded in openness and accountability.

Trustees are fiduciaries: they must invest and manage the trust’s money prudently, not only for the present beneficiaries but often for generations to come. One of the cornerstones of modern trust law is the prudent investor rule, which tells trustees how they should think about investing. Closely related is the duty to diversify. Together, these principles guide trustees through one of the most challenging parts of trust administration—deciding what to buy, what to sell and

Florida law imposes duties on the personal representative to administer the estate efficiently while protecting creditors and heirs. Understanding how these rules work and why the process takes time can help families set realistic expectations and avoid unnecessary disputes.

The law does not usually impose a rigid number of days or months for trustees to distribute assets. Instead, it applies a more flexible standard: distributions must be made within a reasonable time. What counts as reasonable depends on the complexity of the trust, the types of assets involved, and the risks that remain outstanding.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to executor and trustee compensation in California, including statutory references, examples, co-fiduciary arrangements, and practical drafting tips.

Unlike some states that simply say “reasonable compensation,” New York uses a statutory commission system for both trustees and executors, though the details differ. This article provides a comprehensive overview of trustee and executor compensation in New York, including statutory formulas, income rules, co-fiduciary arrangements, and examples. We’ll also explore when the trust or will may override the default rules, how courts resolve disputes, and how New York compares to

Trustee compensation should reflect the scope of work, risk, and skill required. The cleanest outcomes happen when the trust is clear, the trustee communicates early and often, and records show the value delivered. Whether the trustee is a family member or a professional office, transparency plus strong documentation keeps fees fair—and relationships intact.

Digital nomads need more than a passport and laptop; they need a plan. Protect your global assets and loved ones with wills, trusts, powers of attorney, guardianship provisions and digital asset strategies. Learn how to navigate tax rules, manage property across borders and coordinate professionals for seamless estate planning before you move abroad.

Filing a homestead declaration—or applying for a homestead exemption—can safeguard your family home from certain creditors, reduce property taxes, and provide security for your spouse and children. Because homestead laws vary widely, it’s essential to understand your state’s requirements and consult qualified professionals. Integrating a homestead declaration into your overall estate plan can give you peace of mind, knowing that your home is protected and that your loved ones

A private family foundation is more than a legal entity—it’s a commitment to philanthropy, education and legacy. By understanding its advantages and drawbacks, families can make informed decisions about whether a foundation, donor-advised fund or another giving vehicle suits their vision. When structured properly and managed wisely, a family foundation can serve as a pillar of philanthropy, shaping positive change in the world while bringing generations together around a shar

Estate planning for pets is an expression of love and responsibility. The law views animals as property, but owners have the power to ensure their companions receive lifetime care, love, and financial security. Without a plan, animals may end up in shelters or with caregivers who cannot or will not provide for them. With a proper plan, pets can continue to thrive, maintaining their routines and receiving medical care, even after their owners’ deaths.

Estate and gift tax rules are changing in 2025. The federal estate tax exemption is $13.99M per person, with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act boosting it to $15M in 2026. Learn how to use annual $19K gift exclusions, portability, and strategies like ILITs, GRATs, QPRTs, and charitable trusts to minimize estate taxes, reduce state inheritance exposure, and preserve more wealth for heirs.

Estate planning for blended families requires careful thought, clear communication, and tailored legal instruments. By using wills, trusts (including QTIP and credit shelter trusts), beneficiary designations, marital agreements, and other tools, you can protect your spouse and children in a way that reflects your unique family dynamics. Regularly review your plan as circumstances change, and consult with experienced estate planning professionals to navigate complexities.

Estate planning isn’t something you do only when you have a sprawling fortune or a complex mix of assets. It’s an exercise in making sure your family and the causes you care about are taken care of and your wishes are followed. One of the most common questions people ask when they begin estate planning is whether to use a will, a trust, or both. On the surface, wills and revocable living trusts may appear to perform the same function but under the hood they work very differen

Deciding how to manage and transfer your firearms can be a complex undertaking, particularly when regulated weapons are involved. A gun trust—also known as a firearms trust or NFA trust—can be an effective tool for ensuring compliance with state and federal laws, while simplifying inheritance and allowing trusted individuals to handle your firearms. This guide explains what a gun trust is, why you might want one, and the steps involved in integrating it into your estate plan.