Estate administration refers to the process of managing and dispersing an individual’s assets after he or she dies in the United States. This process typically includes identifying and inventorying the decedent’s assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing…
When your loved one dies without a will, known as intestate, what happens? According to your state’s intestacy laws, a probate court will oversee the distribution process of the decedent’s property. Also known as intestate succession, it has…
Probate is a standard legal procedure that formalizes how some assets pass from a deceased person to his or her chosen heirs or beneficiaries. Whether or not you require probate depends on the type of property and how…
Understanding the lawyer’s role at the beginning of the probate process is one of the first things you should do, whether you are the Executor or an heir. One of the biggest sources of conflict in probating the…
During probate, a deceased person’s estate is authenticated, his or her assets are reviewed, debts and taxes are paid, and any remaining assets are distributed to heirs as per their will. After an asset-holder dies, the court will…
Wills are legally bound directives that state who will receive your property upon your death and are an essential component of a comprehensive estate plan. If you die without one (intestate), the state will distribute your assets and…
Stepchildren are often part of American families, and it is not uncommon for them to receive the same treatment as full biological children, even when inheritance is involved. This is particularly true where stepchildren are part of a…
By avoiding probate through legal methods, you can save taxes, keep your estate out of public view, and avoid needing court approval every step of the way. It can save you time, frustration, and in many cases, significant…
Almost everyone knows about the probate process, which takes place in probate court after someone passes away, and they are aware that it takes place after someone dies. Unfortunately, fewer people know that it can be a long…