When a dispute arises during the probate process, the legal process of administering the estate of a deceased person, it is called probate litigation. When someone passes away, their assets and debts must be settled and distributed according to their… Read more »
Category: Estate Administration
A Guide to Understanding the Probate Process
During probate court, a person’s will is validated and the executor is responsible for handling the decedent’s assets, debts, and final tax filings legally and according to the decedent’s wishes. To begin probate, a personal representative or executor must file… Read more »
In the Event of the Death of a Family Member Without a Will, What Do You Do?
COVID-19 has raised awareness in the US more than ever about the importance of having a will, a living trust, or a living will. Still, this knowledge is not translating into estate planning action. No matter your age or asset… Read more »
Does the Probate Attorney Represent the Executor or Estate Heirs?
It is essential at the beginning of the probate process to know the role of the lawyer, regardless of whether you are the Executor or an heir. One of the biggest sources of conflict in probating the estate is understanding… Read more »
Probate: What You Need to Know
The right estate planning can minimize or eliminate probate, but sometimes it’s necessary, despite the stigma associated with it. In reality, most heirs will have to navigate the probate process to some degree after losing a loved one. Understanding what… Read more »
A Tax on Generation-Skipping Transfers
In the US, generation-skipping transfer (GST) is the US government’s tax on transfers of property that skip a generation. Its primary design is to prevent wealthier individuals from avoiding estate and gift taxes by transferring large amounts of assets to… Read more »
What Are the Benefits of Forming a Trust?
We hear this question often. Check out this article for information on whether or not you need a trust and what kind is right for you. For example, maybe you have a disabled child and you want a trust to… Read more »
Probate: What You Need to Know
Probate sounds expensive and complicated, but it is simply a standard legal procedure formalizing how assets pass from a deceased person’s estate to their chosen beneficiaries or heirs. Whether or not you require probate depends on the type of property… Read more »
What Happens to an Inheritance When the Beneficiary Dies?
Upon a beneficiary’s death, who receives his or her estate? You may be wondering whether if you leave property to your brother Jim, but he dies before you, would his kids inherit the property in his place? The answer is,… Read more »
The Estate Planning Process for Timeshares
During the purchase of a timeshare in a holiday resort, the resort agent recommended that Mom and Dad sign a deed leaving the share to their children so that after their passing, the children could continue to enjoy it. It… Read more »