Legally validating a will, naming or validating a personal representative (executor), and transferring assets to intended beneficiaries is a process called probate. It also requires paying the decedent’s outstanding debts and federal and state taxes. Each state has different laws…
A probate court oversees the distribution of a decedent's property if your loved one passes away without making a will, known as intestate. Also known as intestate succession, it has similarities to the probate process when a will is present.…
You can minimize or avoid probate entirely by working with an estate planning attorney. Probate proceedings are part of the public record and can be very time-consuming and expensive. However, in nearly every case, some probate is necessary, so it…
It is important to think through certain factors before naming someone as your estate's representative (executor) or accepting the responsibility of being the executor. Consider the complexity of the duties and in which order to pursue them. The following responsibilities…
Minor and adult children may have different opinions about family circumstances, especially when it comes to inheriting the estate. It is normal for relationships to change and intensify when someone you love dies, as underlying issues can come to the…
Probate is the process by which judicial officials process a decedent’s will. While state probate laws may vary, the general process is quite similar across the country. A probate judge will also oversee cases where the deceased person did not…