Mary Randolph earned her law degree from the Boalt Hall School of Law at the University of California, Berkeley. She is the author of The Executor's Guide: Settling a Loved One's Estate or Trust, 8 Ways to Avoid Probate, and other books about law for nonlawyers. She has been a guest on The Today Show and has been interviewed by many publications, including the Wall Street Journal, the Los Angeles Times, the San Francisco Chronicle, and more.
Articles By Mary Randolph
District of Columbia Estate Tax
If you leave behind more than $4 million, your estate might owe D.C. estate tax.
Maryland Estate Tax
If you leave behind more than $5 million, your estate might owe Maryland estate tax.
Veterinary Malpractice
You may sue a veterinarian who hurt your pet through incompetence or carelessness. But pursuing a vet malpractice lawsuit in court is rarely practical.
When a Pet Is Injured or Killed: Compensating the Owner
Courts follow different legal standards to decide how much a dog or cat’s loss is worth, and whether pet owners are entitled to compensation for their emotional distress.
Federal Estate Taxes
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 doubled the federal estate tax exemption, making federal estate taxes an issue for only the very rich.
Inheritance Tax: Which States Have It and How It Works
Only six (soon to be five) states still impose an inheritance tax.
Do You Still Need Your AB Trust?
Because of changes to state and federal laws in the last few years, most couples no longer need to worry about federal estate tax. But what if you set up a tax-avoidance trust years ago?
Estate Planning When You're Married to a Noncitizen
If your spouse isn’t a United States citizen, some special legal rules may affect your estate planning.
Charitable Lead Trusts
With the "annuity" variety of this trust, you may be able make a donation and have tax-free money left over for your family.
Filing an Income Tax Return for an Estate
When and how to file an income tax return for an estate.