When a loved one passes away, their estate may need to go through a legal process known as probate. Probate follows statutory rules for settling the deceased person's financial affairs and distributing their assets to their beneficiaries. One of the…
Recognizing the importance of having a will in place, many people will head to Google to find a free resource for creating an online will. After answering a few questions, they may print off and sign a document, and feel…
An emotional loss like that of a close relative is one of life's most stressful experiences. In addition to the emotional aspect, there is the stress of handling the deceased person's estate and affairs. This part can be especially overwhelming. The…
Probate is the legal process that recognizes a will and appoints an executor to administer an estate and distribute it to the intended beneficiaries, according to the American Bar Association (ABA). Navigating the probate process will vary according to state law.…
When wills are drafted, they will address who receives your assets and properties after your death only if they are properly filled out. Your will names a personal representative (executor) who will carry out your directives. In addition to asset distribution,…
People commonly know that probate occurs in probate court after someone passes away, and that it is something that happens after someone dies. Many people are not aware that the process is long and complicated. In some cases, it can…
An executor is designated in a will to make a public record, usually published in a local newspaper, on the date of death of the testator. Among other things, this information serves as notice to creditors if the deceased owed…
What is a Will? A will is a legally binding directive stating who will receive your property upon your death and is an important part of a comprehensive estate plan. If you die without one (intestate), the state will distribute…
After an asset-holder dies, the court will appoint a valid will's executor to administer the probate process. Probate is the legal process for authenticating a deceased person's will, reviewing their assets, paying their outstanding debts and taxes, and distributing what…