Estate planning can feel overwhelming, but understanding key documents like a pour-over will  is essential—especially if you have a revocable living trust. You might think a pour-over will automatically avoids probate for all your assets. Think again. Let’s clear up the confusion once and for all. What Is a Pour-Over Will? A pour-over will  is a special type of last will and testament used alongside a revocable trust  (also called a living trust). Your standard last will and testament says...

In estate planning, it's common to wonder about conflicting instructions for your assets, especially real estate like your home. What if you initially set up a house as payable on death to one person, but later decide to place the same house into a trust for someone else? This scenario raises important questions about which designation rules. Let's break it down step by step based on how deeds work. Understanding Transfer on Death Deeds A transfer on death deed (often called a TOD deed) is a...

If you're a Florida resident on Medicaid  with a paid-off house , you might worry about losing it to estate recovery after you pass. The good news? You can still get a Lady Bird deed —and you absolutely should. This simple tool keeps your home out of probate, avoids Medicaid claims, and passes it directly to your heirs. In this guide, we'll break down how Lady Bird deeds work for Medicaid recipients, Florida's generous homestead exemptions, and why skipping probate saves your family...