In a move aimed at simplifying the estate planning process for North Dakota residents, Governor John Smith signed into law a new legislation on July 4, 2025. The new law, known as the Trusts and Estates Simplification Act, introduces several reforms to the state's existing trusts and estates laws.One of the key provisions of the Trusts and Estates Simplification Act is the introduction of standardized forms for creating wills, trusts, and other estate planning documents. These standardized forms are designed to make it easier for individuals to create legally valid documents without the need for expensive legal assistance.Additionally, the new law simplifies the process for transferring property to beneficiaries by streamlining the probate process. Under the Trusts and Estates Simplification Act, certain smaller estates may qualify for simplified probate procedures, reducing the time and cost associated with settling an estate.Another significant change introduced by the new legislation is the establishment of a digital registry for estate planning documents. This registry allows individuals to store their wills, trusts, and other important documents in a secure online database, making them easily accessible to designated beneficiaries upon their passing.Governor Smith lauded the Trusts and Estates Simplification Act as a step forward in improving access to estate planning services for North Dakota residents. He emphasized that the reforms introduced by the new law are designed to provide greater peace of mind to individuals and families seeking to protect their assets and ensure their wishes are carried out after their passing.In response to the new legislation, estate planning lawyers and financial advisors across North Dakota have been gearing up to educate their clients about the changes and help them take advantage of the simplified estate planning process.Overall, the Trusts and Estates Simplification Act represents a significant overhaul of North Dakota's trusts and estates laws, aiming to make the estate planning process more straightforward and accessible to all residents of the state. With these new reforms in place, North Dakotans can now rest assured that their final wishes will be carried out efficiently and effectively.