Successor Trustee Checklist: What to Do in the First 90 Days After a Death

I just became a trustee. What do I do first? If someone has died and you have been named successor trustee of their trust, you may suddenly be responsible for bank accounts, investments, real estate, bills, taxes, personal property, and distributions to beneficiaries. That can be a lot to take on at once. The good news is that you generally do not need to complete the entire trust administration immediately. During the first 90 days, your primary job is to understand the trus

3 hours ago9 min read

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Successor Trustee Checklist: What to Do in the First 90 Days After a Death

3 hours ago9 min read

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Beneficiary Receipt and Release Forms: A Guide for Trustees and Executors

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Estate Planning for Multi‑State Residents: Domicile, Taxes, and Property Across State Lines

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Directed Trusts: A Modern Tool for Greater Control in Estate Planning

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Estate Planning for Same‑Sex Couples: Unique Considerations & Strategies

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Modern Trust Administration: Embracing Technology for Efficient Fiduciary Duty

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Estate Planning for Real Estate Investors: Protecting Rentals and Legacy

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Trust Administration Process: What to Expect When a Trust Comes to Life

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The 2026
Trustee Handbook

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Built for Trustees, Not Lawyers

Most resources are either too basic to be useful or too complex and written in legalese. This handbook bridges the gap — detailed enough to guide you through real tasks, but written in plain language that anyone can understand.

Estate Planning Basics & Essentials

Beneficiary Receipt and Release Forms: A Guide for Trustees and Executors

Mar 244 min read

Estate Planning for Multi‑State Residents: Domicile, Taxes, and Property Across State Lines

Mar 244 min read

Directed Trusts: A Modern Tool for Greater Control in Estate Planning

Mar 175 min read

Estate Planning for Same‑Sex Couples: Unique Considerations & Strategies

Mar 105 min read

Modern Trust Administration: Embracing Technology for Efficient Fiduciary Duty

Mar 34 min read

Estate Planning for Real Estate Investors: Protecting Rentals and Legacy

Feb 246 min read

Trust Administration Process: What to Expect When a Trust Comes to Life

Feb 175 min read

Elderly man in checkered shirt waters plants with a metal can, assisted by a young girl in a polka dot shirt. Lush greenery surrounds them.

Great Wealth Transfer Estate Planning: Preparing Heirs for a Changing World

Feb 106 min read

A-frame cabin in sunlit forest surrounded by green trees. Wooden patio and staircase, warm and tranquil atmosphere in natural setting.

Family Cabin Estate Planning: Keeping the Lake House in the Family

Feb 37 min read

Elderly couple on a sofa managing finances with papers, cash, and a phone. Cozy living room with plants and colorful cushions.

Intra‑Family Loans in Estate Planning

Jan 2710 min read

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Clear, practical guidance for estate planning, trust administration, and understanding trustees duties—packed with tips and resources.

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Trustee & Executor Resources

Along with The 2026 Trustee Handbook, we have assembled a collection of standalone toolkits, checklists, worksheet, forms, and other valuable resources specifically designed for trustees, executors, professionals, and anyone interested in estate planning.

This collection includes essential legal forms and resources to aid in effective trust and estate administration and estate planning.

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International & Expatriate Planning

Estate Planning for Multi‑State Residents: Domicile, Taxes, and Property Across State Lines

Living in more than one place offers freedom and opportunity, but it demands careful legal planning. By understanding domicile rules, using trusts and business entities wisely, and tailoring documents to meet each state’s requirements, you can enjoy the multi‑state lifestyle without leaving your heirs tangled in red tape.

Mar 244 min read

Close-up of a colorful globe against a clear blue sky, with sunlight reflecting off the surface, creating a bright and serene mood.

Key Estate Planning Considerations for Americans Moving Abroad in 2026

Relocating abroad can enrich your life but complicates your estate plan. As of 2026 U.S. citizens and green‑card holders continue to face estate tax on worldwide assets, and the interplay of domicile rules, forced heirship laws, trust recognition issues and reporting obligations adds layers of complexity. The good news is that proactive planning can protect your wealth and ensure your wishes are honored.

Jan 86 min read

Living a borderless lifestyle brings freedom, adventure and opportunity. But it also introduces legal and administrative challenges that you cannot ignore. Estate planning for digital nomads requires a proactive and holistic approach.

Estate Planning for Digital Nomads: A Comprehensive Guide

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.

Aug 21, 202510 min read

Stacks of labeled cardboard boxes with potted plants on top, a soft-lit floor lamp, and a pile of books in a cozy room.

Getting Your Affairs In Order Before Moving Abroad: a Step By Step Estate Planning Guide

Relocating outside the United States is an exciting and life‑changing decision. Yet before you set off, it’s important to address the estate planning and legal logistics that will keep your assets protected and your loved ones secure. Proper preparation avoids legal complications, unnecessary taxes, or family stress. Here’s a comprehensive step‑by‑step guide for getting your affairs in order before moving out of the U.S.

Jul 30, 20255 min read

Estate Planning for Non‑Citizen Spouses: Understanding Qualified Domestic Trusts (QDOTs)

In today’s global society, it’s increasingly common for a U.S. citizen to be married to a spouse who is not a U.S. citizen. While most estate planning rules assume both spouses are citizens, mixed‑citizenship couples face unique challenges. The unlimited marital deduction—a central feature of the U.S. estate tax system—does not apply automatically when assets pass to a non‑U.S. citizen spouse. To avoid immediate estate taxes on the first spouse’s death, careful planning is re

Jul 28, 20256 min read

When and Why to Update Your Estate Plan: Life Events, Tax Changes and Ongoing Maintenance

Staying on top of your estate plan is essential for protecting your family and preserving wealth. This guide explains why experts recommend reviewing your plan every three to five years or whenever a major life event occurs. Learn how marriage, divorce, births, deaths, new assets, relocation and tax law changes—including the 2026 increase of the federal estate tax exemption to $15 million palmcitylawyer.com —should trigger updates, and discover practical steps for keeping up

Jul 16, 20256 min read

Real Estate & Property Planning

Estate Planning for Multi‑State Residents: Domicile, Taxes, and Property Across State Lines

Living in more than one place offers freedom and opportunity, but it demands careful legal planning. By understanding domicile rules, using trusts and business entities wisely, and tailoring documents to meet each state’s requirements, you can enjoy the multi‑state lifestyle without leaving your heirs tangled in red tape.

Mar 244 min read

Family Cabin Estate Planning: Keeping the Lake House in the Family

By creating formal structures like trusts or LLCs, establishing clear agreements for use and maintenance, providing buy‑out and exit options, and integrating the cabin plan into the wider estate strategy, families can prevent disputes and ensure that their retreat continues to serve as a place of joy for generations.

Feb 37 min read

A couple walks barefoot on a sandy beach, carrying a wicker picnic basket. The ocean and blue sky are in the background, creating a relaxed mood.

Estate Planning for Partners Without Children: Protecting Your Legacy and Each Other

Estate planning for partners without children is a chance to craft a legacy that reflects your values, protects your partner, and honors the people and causes you cherish. Without direct heirs, couples must decide who will inherit their assets, how to handle incapacity, who will manage their estate, and how to provide for each other’s financial security. By creating wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and beneficiary designations, you gain control over your property.

Dec 30, 20258 min read

Elderly man in a red sweater and mask stands with a cane, gazing out a window in a corridor, with natural light and brick walls outside.

Estate Planning for Solo Agers: How to Build a Secure Future When You're Aging Alone

By thoughtfully selecting decision makers, crafting wills and trusts that reflect your wishes, planning for pets and personal treasures, preparing for long-term care, choosing fiduciaries wisely, and building a supportive network, you ensure that your voice is heard even if you cannot speak. Most importantly, you relieve your loved ones from guessing or facing court-imposed solutions. Starting early and staying proactive gives you the peace of mind that you have a plan that k

Dec 16, 20255 min read

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 will have a place to call home long after you’re gone.

Protecting Your Home with a Homestead Declaration: A Guide for Trust and Estate Planning

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

Aug 19, 20257 min read

Estate Planning for Blended Families: Protecting All of Your Loved Ones

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.

Aug 12, 20257 min read

Asset Protection & Long Term Care

Intra‑Family Loans in Estate Planning

Integrating intra‑family loans in estate planning into your overall strategy requires a nuanced understanding of tax law, fiduciary duties, and family dynamics. When approached correctly, these loans complement other techniques discussed on this website—from trust decanting and charitable giving strategies to choosing the right business entity and planning for pets—and provide a flexible tool for helping family members while preserving your legacy.

Jan 2710 min read

Estate Planning for Partners Without Children: Protecting Your Legacy and Each Other

Estate planning for partners without children is a chance to craft a legacy that reflects your values, protects your partner, and honors the people and causes you cherish. Without direct heirs, couples must decide who will inherit their assets, how to handle incapacity, who will manage their estate, and how to provide for each other’s financial security. By creating wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and beneficiary designations, you gain control over your property.

Dec 30, 20258 min read

Batman action figure stands heroically in a sunlit forest, hands on hips. Dark colors contrast with the green, shadowy background.

Trust Protector in Estate Planning: Adding Flexibility and Oversight to Your Trust

A trust protector in estate planning is a modern tool that offers flexibility and oversight without compromising control. By carefully defining the protector’s powers, selecting a qualified and impartial individual, and integrating the role into your trust documents, you can ensure your trust adapts to changing laws, family dynamics and economic conditions.

Oct 15, 20255 min read

Passing on Your Home with Qualified Personal Residence Trusts (QPRTs)

Learn how Qualified Personal Residence Trusts (QPRTs) can reduce estate taxes and preserve your home for heirs. We explain how QPRTs work, the tax benefits and risks, and offer guidance on choosing the right term, addressing maintenance costs and insurance, and combining QPRTs with other estate‑planning tools. Updated for August 2025, this guide reflects the new $13.99 million estate tax exemption and the looming rise to $15 million in 2026.

Jul 23, 202510 min read

SECURE 2.0 and Special Needs Trusts: What Trustees Need to Know

The SECURE Act and SECURE 2.0 represent the most significant changes to retirement account inheritance in decades. For trustees administering special needs trusts, these laws create opportunities to preserve tax benefits, maintain public assistance eligibility, and incorporate charitable legacies. They also require action: updating trust documents, coordinating beneficiary designations, and educating families. Staying informed allows trustees to navigate these rules confident

Jul 17, 20254 min read

When and Why to Update Your Estate Plan: Life Events, Tax Changes and Ongoing Maintenance

Staying on top of your estate plan is essential for protecting your family and preserving wealth. This guide explains why experts recommend reviewing your plan every three to five years or whenever a major life event occurs. Learn how marriage, divorce, births, deaths, new assets, relocation and tax law changes—including the 2026 increase of the federal estate tax exemption to $15 million palmcitylawyer.com —should trigger updates, and discover practical steps for keeping up

Jul 16, 20256 min read

Digital Assets & Emerging Tech

Estate Planning for Content Creators and Social Media Influencers: Protecting Your Digital Legacy

As the world of social media and digital content creation continues to expand, so too does the need for thoughtful estate planning for those who make a living online. If you’re a YouTuber, podcaster, Instagram star, TikTok creator, or run a blog or e‑commerce platform, your brand and livelihood exist largely in the digital world.

Sep 15, 20256 min read

Digital Assets and Trust Administration: Planning for Your Online Legacy

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

Sep 12, 20257 min read

AI in Estate Planning: Opportunities and Cautions for Trustees

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the trust and estate landscape. Trustees can harness AI to improve efficiency, manage investments, and analyze taxes. However, AI is not a substitute for thoughtful legal advice, personalized planning, or ethical judgment. Understanding AI’s capabilities and limitations allows trustees to integrate technology prudently and protect the long‑term interests of beneficiaries.

Jul 22, 20254 min read

When and Why to Update Your Estate Plan: Life Events, Tax Changes and Ongoing Maintenance

Staying on top of your estate plan is essential for protecting your family and preserving wealth. This guide explains why experts recommend reviewing your plan every three to five years or whenever a major life event occurs. Learn how marriage, divorce, births, deaths, new assets, relocation and tax law changes—including the 2026 increase of the federal estate tax exemption to $15 million palmcitylawyer.com —should trigger updates, and discover practical steps for keeping up

Jul 16, 20256 min read

Digital Assets: Safeguard Your Online Legacy with Estate Planning

Digital assets are no longer a niche concern. From cloud‑stored memories to cryptocurrency portfolios, much of a person’s wealth and history now exists online. Trusts and estate plans must evolve to protect this digital footprint. By creating a comprehensive inventory, including clear provisions in legal documents, appointing a knowledgeable digital executor, and maintaining strong security practices, you can ensure these assets are preserved and distributed according to the

Jul 8, 20255 min read

Cryptocurrency and Estate Planning: Navigating Digital Wealth

Cryptocurrency offers enormous potential for wealth creation, but it also introduces unprecedented complexity. Trustees must balance security, regulatory compliance and tax strategy while respecting the grantor’s wishes. The key lessons are clear: inventory digital assets, secure and document access, select knowledgeable fiduciaries, and use trust structures strategically. With proper planning, crypto can enhance an estate rather than complicate it. Without planning, it can e

Jun 24, 20256 min read