We have information to help with your estate planning goals
Articles from State Farm® to help you understand the differences between wills and trusts and why you need them.
Articles about wills and trusts
What is a Will and Why Do You Need One?
Having a Will can give you peace of mind knowing your requests will be followed.
Types of Wills and Trusts for Estate Planning
What are the differences between a basic will, pour-over will, tax-saving will, living trust and more? Learn more about wills and trusts in this informative article.
Wills and Trusts: an Estate-Planning Primer
Wills and trusts are an important part of estate planning. Wherever you are in the planning process, know your options.
What Does the Executor of a Will Do?
When named the executor of a will there are many responsibilities to fulfill.
Preparing a Living Will & End-of-Life Care Choices
Find out how preparing a living will can help make sure your wishes are honored if you are ever unable to speak for yourself.
Avoiding Probate
Costs and delays can slow probate. Here are some ways to help save money and speed up the process.
Common estate planning mistakes
Forgetting to change beneficiary information is a common mistake when planning an estate. We break down estate planning dilemmas and more.
Questions about Social Security survivor benefits
Who is eligible for Social Security survivor benefits? We break down what survivor benefits are, explain how to claim survivor benefits and identify who qualifies.
Leave a home or property to a beneficiary
What are the implications of passing on property to heirs? We review how to leave real estate in a will and prepare for this transition.
Leaving Money to a Charity in Your Will
Many people are devoted to a group or cause and want to leave them an endowment. Before leaving money to a charity in your will, ask these questions.
Gifting to Grandchildren
Leaving a legacy can be complicated. We review the best way for grandparents to give money to grandchildren.
Estate planning articles
Does everyone need estate planning?
An estate plan does more than just offer direction for assets. Estate planning can help others execute your wishes and take care of those you love.
What is Digital Estate Planning?
As technology continues to evolve, it's vital to understand what happens to your online accounts when you can no longer manage them or pass away.
Estate planning for the terminally ill
Estate planning is an important step in everyone’s financial preparations, but estate planning for the terminally ill is even more crucial. Learn how.
When Should I Update My Estate Plan
Marriage, death and divorce are, of course, reasons to update an estate plan. We review other times to review what's included in this financial document.
What To Consider When Choosing a Beneficiary
What factors should you consider when choosing a beneficiary?
Review Your Estate Planning Checklist
This handy estate planning checklist form can provide thought-starters for tasks involved with planning your estate.
Steps For a Personal Financial Plan
A personal financial plan is important for your financial future. It's easy to start once you know these steps.
Take Time to Create a Financial Emergency Plan
If you found yourself facing a major life crisis, would you be prepared to handle the financial fallout?
Save or Shred? When You Should Keep Financial Documents
When it comes to tax and important documentation, knowing whether to keep it or shred it is important. We've compiled information to help you with this important task.
How to Talk About Money with Your Aging Parents
Many adults are faced with supporting parents through important life events. We discuss how to approach aging parents about finances.
Estate planning for individuals with special needs
Life Insurance to Help a Special Needs Child/Adult
From life insurance to a special needs trust, here's what you need to know to keep your loved one financially secure.
Special Needs Guardianships
Choosing a guardian is a significant choice, especially when a child has disabilities. We discuss the details of special needs guardianships.
Special Needs Financial Planning
We review creating a special needs financial plan, which can ensure a family member with special needs receives the care they need.
Jobs & Care for a Special Needs Child or Adult
There are a range of care options and programs for children and adults with disabilities — we offer insight into several options.
What Is A Special Needs Trust?
A special needs trust involves a plan to assist in caring for your loved ones if you're not there. Learn how one works and what's needed to fund it.
Building a Special Needs Estate Plan
Setting up a special needs plan for a child or adult is critical. Consider a special needs lawyer to ensure protection and thoroughness of your plan.
The information in this article was obtained from various sources not associated with State Farm® (including State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates). While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. State Farm is not responsible for, and does not endorse or approve, either implicitly or explicitly, the content of any third party sites that might be hyperlinked from this page. The information is not intended to replace manuals, instructions or information provided by a manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional, or to affect coverage under any applicable insurance policy. These suggestions are not a complete list of every loss control measure. State Farm makes no guarantees of results from use of this information.