Five categories of ways to avoid the process of court approval for assets to be collected, evaluated, and distributed are explored.

Some residential homes purchased by an entity (including trusts) may be required to report to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) as of March 1st

It is better to have a trust as a beneficiary rather than an individual since you can have protection on how your property passes in contrast to the grantee/beneficiary's heirs or estate of if the grantee/beneficiary predeceases you.

Ten negative consequences for superseding the powers granted in a power of attorney of elderly mom are described.

Diane Keaton reportedly established a pet trust for the benefit of her golden retriever. Different ways to take care of your pet are explored.

Proper language is required in a trust for the homestead and other exemptions to be retained if your home is deeded into a trust. This article described the proper language for exemptions and creditor protection.

Long-term care Medicaid, which helps pay for care in a nursing home or at home, is "means-tested". However, certain resources, such as the applicant's homestead, do not count. This article not only mentions the amount of the equity limit for the homestead to not count as a resource, but it also discusses how to avoid the claim for reimbursement by the state for benefits advanced after the death of the Medicaid recipient.

Many states have a "slayer statute" whereby a convicted murderer cannot inherit from the deceased victim. This article compares California and Texas slayer statutes.

This article discusses ten of the most frequently asked questions about powers of attorney, ranging from the different types to when the power is effective and terminates.

There are no inheritance laws on the rights of a human clone at the present time, but this may need to be addressed due to scientific advancements.