Browse all wills, trusts, and probate case studies

Wills, trusts, and probate law in the United States govern how a person’s estate is managed and distributed after death. A will outlines who should inherit property, while a trust may manage assets during a person’s lifetime or after death. Probate is the legal process through which the estate is administered, debts are paid, and property is transferred. Each state has its own laws and procedures for creating valid wills and handling probate. These laws help ensure that estates are managed fairly and that the deceased's wishes are respected.