Probate avoidance: Probate is the legal process of settling an estate after someone dies. It can be a time-consuming and expensive process, but with proper estate planning, it may be possible to avoid probate a
After someone dies, all of their belongings become part of theirestate. Before the assets can be legally distributed tobeneficiaries, the executor is required to do a few things. In addition to filing and executing the decedent’swill, they must make sure the debts tocreditorsand taxes of the...
An executor is a personal representative who controls the administration of the estate after someone dies. This person is typically named by the decedent if they left a will, and if they didn’t name someone or didn't leave a will, theprobatecourt will appoint an individual known as an adm...
The process of securing assets, settling liabilities and distributing an estate after someone has died. If the deceased has made a Will, the executor will distribute the estate accordingly. Otherwise, the estate will be administered under the rules of intestacy. ...
After someone dies, their estate needs to be dealt with. This includes paying their debts and taxes, and distributing their money and property to those who are entitled to it. If you owe money to someone who died, it’s best to contact the probate court in the county where she... Read...
A probate lawyer is a licensed attorney who specializes in probate matters in and out of court. A lawyer for estate planning or will writing shares a similar area of expertise, but a probate attorney focuses on estate administration after someone’s death. ...
It's not unusual for someone to have more debts than assets. If this ...more Wills & Trusts Can an Executor Endorse the Deceased's Check? Upon an individual’s death, it is common for those organizing the ...more Wills & Trusts Who Signs an Inventory of an Estate and What Informa...
Estate administration is the process of maintenance and distribution of assets after someone dies. This is done in agreement with either the will of the decedent (person who died) or state law. The death of someone close to you is one of the most stressful things you can experience in life...
Estate Settlement 101You've probably heard the terms tossed about: probate, estate taxes, heirs, administrator, joint property, wills and trusts. After someone dies, the task of closing out the person's affairs falls on the individual named as the "exec...
We have many clients ask us why an estate must file an income tax return. The quick answer requires you to understand a simple concept that may come as a surprise. When someone dies, the assets they own create an “estate” which may be made up of income producing property and non-inco...