Estate Administration And Probate

After a testator dies, their money or property goes through probate if they hold them under their name. Probate is when a court examines and authenticates a will. Some people object to probate because it’s a lengthy, expensive process. It also subjects personal...

When a family member or friend asked you to be the executor of their estate, you didn’t agree to it for the money. However, being an executor is a job – sometimes a very time-consuming, challenging one. That’s why the law provides for executor compensation. Executors...

If you already have a will in place, congratulations! However, if you do not, it is important that you create one, ASAP. A will is an important estate planning document that outlines how you wish to have your estate distributed when you pass on. Given its...

Being in charge of someone's estate before the assets are handed over to the heirs of the deceased is a position of trust that no executor should abuse. They may be in charge of a lot of assets -- including cash and investments. But what if the executor goes rogue and...

Your most valuable assets will usually be your biggest priority when planning your estate. It's likely that you don't own anything worth more than your home. Real estate is quite valuable, making it an important asset to address while planning your estate. Some people...

The estate planning process is an excellent opportunity to designate the funeral arrangements you want. For example, if you wish to be cremated or buried and whether you prefer a small family gathering or a large, festive celebration of your life. It’s also a chance...

There are many different ways to transfer financial assets to heirs in the event of a person's passing. The most well-known is simply to write a will, which designates which heir is entitled to which assets. Many more complex estate plans will also use trusts to hold...

It isn't easy to think about what happens after you die. It can be uncomfortable to imagine the grief of your loved ones or unpleasant to think about the assets you have spent your life acquiring going up for sale as part of your estate. However, in-depth...

You may have tried to ensure that your property and money go to family members or friends. Before you pass away, you and your loved ones need to know that your estate may still go through probate. In another instance, you may have decided to write your will by...

When people die without a will, the laws of intestacy will generally determine who inherits their estate, and in most cases the recipients are the decedent's next of kin. The phrase is generally understood, but when it comes to the law, specifics count, and a more...