Estate Planning Guides by State: All 50 States & DC

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All 50 states + Washington, DC

Start with the rules where your family lives.

Find your state’s planning overview, will requirements and living-trust cost guide. Keep local requirements separate from the online service you may choose.

What you will find in each state

Planning overview

Start with local property, probate, tax and decision-making topics. California and Florida also have focused probate and home-transfer guides.

Choose your state →

Wills and living-trust costs

Check the requirements for a will or compare the scope and costs of a trust-based plan. Then evaluate providers separately.

Compare online providers →

Choose your state

State guides are organized alphabetically. Washington, DC appears as District of Columbia.

Use the guide that fits the task

  1. Planning ahead: start with the state overview and will-versus-trust comparison. List your existing documents and assets before shopping.
  2. Evaluating costs: open the state will or trust-cost guide. Compare what is included in a quote, then use our online service comparison.
  3. After a death: follow estate-settlement guidance and the relevant state procedures. A new will or trust cannot create a plan for someone who has already died.
  4. Property or people in more than one state: note each location and check the relevant guides. Do not assume one state’s requirements answer every question.