50 State U.S. Inheritance Law Guide

- Inheritance Law Basics - (Basics)

What You Need to Know About Inheritance Law In Your State

Here is an overview of how this site works and what articles you'll find most useful. It can be confusing to sort out the process, the taxes, and the issues that arise after someone's death. This site will help.
What You Need to Know About Managing Property for Children in Your State

Children can't inherit more than a small amount of property directly. Find out how State allows you to handle a minor's inheritance.
How to Claim Life Insurance in Your State

Learn how to find and claim proceeds under life insurance policies.
What You Need to Know About Joint Tenancy Property in Your State

Joint tenants automatically inherit an asset when the other joint tenant dies. Learn more about how joint tenancy assets are distributed.
Special Options for Surviving Spouses Who Inherit Retirement Accounts

Surviving spouses don't have to go through probate, usually. Learn more about probate alternatives for surviving spouses.
How to Inherit Payable on Death Accounts

Payable on death accounts transfer directly to named beneficiaries and avoid probate. Learn more about how to use payable on death accounts to avoid probate.

Who Inherits When Your Spouse or Parent Dies Without a Will?

Each state has rules, called the laws of intestacy, that determine how to divide property when a spouse dies without a Will. Read this article to find out who inherits if a spouse or parent dies without a Will in State.
What You Need to Know About Probate in Your State

Each state has its own rules about probate. Find out how they do it in State.
What You Need to Know About Your State's Small Estates Limit

Small estates don't have to go through probate to be distributed. Find out what State's limit is for this small estates procedure.

Does Your State Collect an Inheritance Tax?

Only a few states collect their own estate or inheritance tax. Find out if State collects either (or both) taxes on the estate after someone has died.
What You Need to Know About Capital Gains Taxes

When beneficiaries inherit assets, those assets generally receive what's called a "step up"in basis. Understand how this saves beneficiaries taxes on appreciated assets.
What's New for 2019 for Federal and State Estate, Inheritance, and Gift Tax Law

Find out what's changed in 2019 for inheritance law.
What You Need to Know About Getting a Tax Identification Number

In order to settle an estate or a trust, you'll need to get a tax identification number for it. Find out how to do it.
What Taxes Need to Be Filed After Someone Dies?

There are several different taxes that need to be filed after there's been a death. Learn more about which taxes to file and how to file them.