Probate

When someone passes away, their estate may need to go through probate. Probate is the legal process of managing and distributing assets based on an individual's will. If they do not have a will, state laws will decide how the assets are distributed. There are two main...

Losing a parent is a tragedy, but it is also a rite of passage for many middle-aged adults. Most children outlive their parents unless something unusual occurs. Adult children who have lost a parent have to grieve and also have to address many practical challenges....

Probate proceedings and estate administration can be relatively demanding. The personal representative who oversees the probate process has many different responsibilities. They must secure and properly manage estate assets. They must attend probate court hearings and...

A personal representative has to make time to attend court hearings as well as locate a will and secure high-value assets. Their obligations can easily last for a year or longer depending on the extent of the estate and the creditor claims that arise. In some cases,...

After someone dies, their property may pass to other people. It is common for adults to create estate plans designating specific beneficiaries to inherit their assets. Even if they do not plan ahead, certain family members become their heirs and can inherit their...

Probate petitions are a crucial aspect of navigating the legal waters after the passing of a loved one. A probate petition is a legal document filed with the court to initiate the probate process. Probate is the legal process of administering the estate of a deceased...

The personal representative of an estate has a lot of responsibilities, and that includes making certain that all the beneficiaries and heirs of the estate are properly notified that probate has begun. Unfortunately, that can be easier said than done. It’s not...

When your parents pass away, they name you as the estate administrator. You review their estate planning documents, and you are in charge of the process of distributing their assets. You also inform beneficiaries about their passing, distribute copies of the will and...