WillArbor

Estate planning guides

Short, honest guides to help you understand wills, trusts, probate, and powers of attorney in plain language — so you can take the next step with more confidence.

Will vs. Trust: Which Do You Need?

The difference between a will and a living trust, when each makes sense, and why many families use both.

Open → How to Avoid Probate

Plain-language ways families reduce or avoid probate — trusts, beneficiary designations, and joint ownership.

Open → What Happens If You Die Without a Will

Intestacy explained: how your state decides who inherits when there is no will — and why that may not match your wishes.

Open → What Estate Planning Really Costs

Flat fees vs hourly billing, typical ranges by document, and how to avoid overpaying.

Open → How to Choose an Executor

What an executor does, who makes a good one, and how to set them up to succeed.

Open → Beneficiary Designations Explained

Why the beneficiary forms on your accounts can override your will — and why families should check them.

Open → Estate Planning for New Arrivals to the US

How wills, trusts, and assets abroad work when you are new to the United States.

Open → Digital Assets in Your Estate Plan

How to plan for online accounts, photos, crypto, and passwords so your family can reach them.

Open → Estate Tax Basics for Families

A plain overview of federal and state estate tax — and why most families don't owe it.

Open → When to Update Your Estate Plan

Life events that should trigger a review — marriage, a new child, a move, a death, a big asset change.

Open → What is a living will?

Plain-language answer to what is a living will for families planning ahead, plus a free way to find a licensed estate planning attorney.

Open → Do i need a trust if i have a will?

Plain-language answer to do i need a trust if i have a will for families planning ahead, plus a free way to find a licensed estate planning attorney.

Open → How much does a simple will cost?

Plain-language answer to how much does a simple will cost for families planning ahead, plus a free way to find a licensed estate planning attorney.

Open → Can i write my own will?

Plain-language answer to can i write my own will for families planning ahead, plus a free way to find a licensed estate planning attorney.

Open → Is an online will legal?

Plain-language answer to is an online will legal for families planning ahead, plus a free way to find a licensed estate planning attorney.

Open → What is a revocable trust?

Plain-language answer to what is a revocable trust for families planning ahead, plus a free way to find a licensed estate planning attorney.

Open → What is an irrevocable trust?

Plain-language answer to what is an irrevocable trust for families planning ahead, plus a free way to find a licensed estate planning attorney.

Open → What is a pour over will?

Plain-language answer to what is a pour over will for families planning ahead, plus a free way to find a licensed estate planning attorney.

Open → What does an estate planning attorney do?

Plain-language answer to what does an estate planning attorney do for families planning ahead, plus a free way to find a licensed estate planning attorney.

Open → How long does probate take?

Plain-language answer to how long does probate take for families planning ahead, plus a free way to find a licensed estate planning attorney.

Open → How to avoid family fights over inheritance?

Plain-language answer to how to avoid family fights over inheritance for families planning ahead, plus a free way to find a licensed estate planning attorney.

Open → What is a healthcare proxy?

Plain-language answer to what is a healthcare proxy for families planning ahead, plus a free way to find a licensed estate planning attorney.

Open → Durable Vs Springing Power Of Attorney

Plain-language answer to durable vs springing power of attorney for families planning ahead, plus a free way to find a licensed estate planning attorney.

Open → What is a guardian for minor children?

Plain-language answer to what is a guardian for minor children for families planning ahead, plus a free way to find a licensed estate planning attorney.

Open → How to leave money to grandchildren?

Plain-language answer to how to leave money to grandchildren for families planning ahead, plus a free way to find a licensed estate planning attorney.

Open → What is a special needs trust?

Plain-language answer to what is a special needs trust for families planning ahead, plus a free way to find a licensed estate planning attorney.

Open → Estate Planning For Blended Families

Plain-language answer to estate planning for blended families for families planning ahead, plus a free way to find a licensed estate planning attorney.

Open → Estate Planning For Unmarried Couples

Plain-language answer to estate planning for unmarried couples for families planning ahead, plus a free way to find a licensed estate planning attorney.

Open → What is a payable on death account?

Plain-language answer to what is a payable on death account for families planning ahead, plus a free way to find a licensed estate planning attorney.

Open → How to fund a living trust?

Plain-language answer to how to fund a living trust for families planning ahead, plus a free way to find a licensed estate planning attorney.

Open → What happens to debt when you die?

Plain-language answer to what happens to debt when you die for families planning ahead, plus a free way to find a licensed estate planning attorney.

Open → Do you need a lawyer for a will?

Plain-language answer to do you need a lawyer for a will for families planning ahead, plus a free way to find a licensed estate planning attorney.

Open → What is portability estate tax?

Plain-language answer to what is portability estate tax for families planning ahead, plus a free way to find a licensed estate planning attorney.

Open → How to disinherit someone?

Plain-language answer to how to disinherit someone for families planning ahead, plus a free way to find a licensed estate planning attorney.

Open → What is a codicil?

Plain-language answer to what is a codicil for families planning ahead, plus a free way to find a licensed estate planning attorney.

Open → How to update a will?

Plain-language answer to how to update a will for families planning ahead, plus a free way to find a licensed estate planning attorney.

Open → What is a letter of instruction?

Plain-language answer to what is a letter of instruction for families planning ahead, plus a free way to find a licensed estate planning attorney.

Open → Estate Planning Checklist

Plain-language answer to estate planning checklist for families planning ahead, plus a free way to find a licensed estate planning attorney.

Open → What documents do i need for estate planning?

Plain-language answer to what documents do i need for estate planning for families planning ahead, plus a free way to find a licensed estate planning attorney.

Open → How to store your will safely?

Plain-language answer to how to store your will safely for families planning ahead, plus a free way to find a licensed estate planning attorney.

Open → What is a living trust vs. irrevocable trust?

Plain-language answer to what is a living trust vs irrevocable trust for families planning ahead, plus a free way to find a licensed estate planning attorney.

Open → Who needs an estate plan?

Plain-language answer to who needs an estate plan for families planning ahead, plus a free way to find a licensed estate planning attorney.

Open → Estate Planning In Your 30S

Plain-language answer to estate planning in your 30s for families planning ahead, plus a free way to find a licensed estate planning attorney.

Open → Estate Planning For Homeowners

Plain-language answer to estate planning for homeowners for families planning ahead, plus a free way to find a licensed estate planning attorney.

Open → Estate Planning For Small Business Owners

Plain-language answer to estate planning for small business owners for families planning ahead, plus a free way to find a licensed estate planning attorney.

Open → What is a trustee?

Plain-language answer to what is a trustee for families planning ahead, plus a free way to find a licensed estate planning attorney.

Open → What is an estate?

Plain-language answer to what is an estate for families planning ahead, plus a free way to find a licensed estate planning attorney.

Open → What is a beneficiary?

Plain-language answer to what is a beneficiary for families planning ahead, plus a free way to find a licensed estate planning attorney.

Open → What is a life estate?

Plain-language answer to what is a life estate for families planning ahead, plus a free way to find a licensed estate planning attorney.

Open → How to avoid probate on a house?

Plain-language answer to how to avoid probate on a house for families planning ahead, plus a free way to find a licensed estate planning attorney.

Open → What is a tod deed?

Plain-language answer to what is a tod deed for families planning ahead, plus a free way to find a licensed estate planning attorney.

Open → What is a spendthrift trust?

Plain-language answer to what is a spendthrift trust for families planning ahead, plus a free way to find a licensed estate planning attorney.

Open → How to talk to parents about estate planning?

Plain-language answer to how to talk to parents about estate planning for families planning ahead, plus a free way to find a licensed estate planning attorney.

Open → What happens if there is no executor?

Plain-language answer to what happens if there is no executor for families planning ahead, plus a free way to find a licensed estate planning attorney.

Open → Can a will be contested?

Plain-language answer to can a will be contested for families planning ahead, plus a free way to find a licensed estate planning attorney.

Open → What is an advance healthcare directive?

Plain-language answer to what is an advance healthcare directive for families planning ahead, plus a free way to find a licensed estate planning attorney.

Open → Do i need a will if i have no assets?

Plain-language answer to do i need a will if i have no assets for families planning ahead, plus a free way to find a licensed estate planning attorney.

Open → Estate Planning For Single Parents

Plain-language answer to estate planning for single parents for families planning ahead, plus a free way to find a licensed estate planning attorney.

Open → How to name a power of attorney?

Plain-language answer to how to name a power of attorney for families planning ahead, plus a free way to find a licensed estate planning attorney.

Open → What is elder law?

Plain-language answer to what is elder law for families planning ahead, plus a free way to find a licensed estate planning attorney.

Open →

What these guides are for

Estate planning can feel heavy, especially when you are trying to protect children, care for aging parents, or make sense of US rules in a language that is not your first. These guides are here to make the basics easier to understand.

We write for families, not lawyers. That means short explanations, common examples, and clear next steps on topics like wills, living trusts, probate, powers of attorney, and advance directives.

This is general educational information only. Estate planning and probate rules vary by state and change over time, so a licensed estate planning attorney in your state is the right person to advise you about your situation.

Start with the basics

If you are not sure where to begin, these are good first reads. They explain the main choices many families compare and the problems they are trying to avoid.

A few issues come up again and again: dying without a will, not naming a guardian for children, beneficiary designations that no longer match your wishes, DIY forms that do not meet your state's rules, and trusts that were created but never funded. Our guides explain these risks in plain words so you know what questions to ask.

What WillArbor is — and is not

WillArbor is a free matching service. We are not a law firm, not a lawyer, and we do not draft legal documents or create an attorney-client relationship.

If you want legal help, we can help you get matched with a licensed estate planning attorney near you. The family stays in control: you compare options, choose who to hire, and confirm the flat fee in writing before any work starts.

To make a match, we collect only basic contact and planning-intent information: your name, phone number, optional email, state, what you want to plan, and your preferred language. We do not ask for asset values, account numbers, Social Security numbers, income, or private estate details.

What estate planning may cost

Many families want to know the cost before they talk to a lawyer. That is reasonable. In many states, estate planning is usually offered for a flat fee, not hourly, but the real number depends on the documents you need, how complex your situation is, and where you live. These ranges are not quotes.

Simple will-based plans often start around $300 to $1,000 for one person, and higher for couples or plans with more documents. A more complete will package with powers of attorney and advance directives may fall around $600 to $1,800 or more. Living trust-based plans are often higher, commonly around $1,500 to $4,500 or more, especially if there are multiple properties, blended families, business interests, or special planning needs.

Probate after a death can also vary widely by state and by the size and complexity of the estate. Some cases are fairly simple; others involve court filings, family disagreements, missing documents, or property that is hard to transfer. A licensed attorney in your state can explain the likely flat fee or other billing structure for your matter before you hire them.

WillArbor is free for the family. Participating attorneys pay a flat fee to take part, and there is never a charge to you to get matched.

How to use these guides well

A guide can help you understand the topic, but it cannot replace advice from a lawyer who knows your state's rules. Use what you read here to prepare for a real conversation.

Read the guide that matches your main question.
Write down your family goals, such as naming guardians, avoiding probate, or helping a parent's estate.
Make a short list of questions about cost, timing, and which documents you may need.
Ask whether the attorney is licensed in your state, and confirm the bar license yourself.
Before work begins, ask for the flat fee in writing and what is included.

If you are ready for that next step, you can get matched for free with a licensed estate planning attorney.

In plain English

These guides help you understand estate planning in simple words, then connect you — free — with a licensed attorney in your state if you want legal help.

Thinking about a will or trust?

Get matched, free, with a licensed estate planning attorney near you. You compare attorneys and choose who to hire — and you confirm the flat fee before any work starts.

Get matched, free See the full cost breakdown →