Courts can reverse a trustee's actions, order profits returned, and impose other sanctions if they find a trustee has failed in their duties

The term is often described as having originated in Renaissance Italy, where there allegedly existed the tradition of smashing a banker's bench if he defaulted on payment

An attorney-in-fact may be a layperson and is authorized to act pursuant to the powers granted by a power of attorney but may not engage in acts that would constitute the unauthorized practice of law

Assets left to any other heir, including the decedent's children, may be taxed if that portion of the estate has a value in excess of the lifetime gift, estate, and generation-skipping transfer tax exemption amount

After the testator dies, the person named in the will as executor can decline or renounce the position, and if so should quickly notify the probate court accordingly