Learn how probate validates a will, settles debts, and distributes assets to heirs under court supervision. and how state intestacy laws work when there's no will.

Far too many of us put off finalizing estate documents because we get hung-up on one or more decisions where we believe we have less than optimal choices. Over my next few posts, I will provide my ...

Debt collectors have a limited time to make claims against an estate, so it's important to know that firm deadline.

Formal probate is a court-supervised process where the validity of a deceased person's will is determined and their assets are distributed. It's often used when the deceased's estate is complex, there ...

So what is probate? For those unaware, probate is a process conducted by a court (typically referred to as a probate court) that determines the validity of the deceased person's will. The court also ...

The old saying that “you can’t pick your family” may be true. But you can pick the executor of your estate and it doesn’t have to be a member of your family. Sometimes, in fact, it’s better when the ...

Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. What exactly is an executor, and what part do they play in someone’s will? A: Simply put, an executor manages the last will and ...

Being named executor of an estate may not be as certain as death and taxes, but it’s often nearly as unwelcome. “It’s a thankless job,” says Pat Simasko, an attorney and partner in the Simasko Law ...

At some point, your clients may ask for guidance on selecting an appropriate executor for their estate. Or you may be confronted by an executor overwhelmed by the responsibility handed to him or her.

Settling an estate after the death of a loved one is rarely simple, but in some cases, a single financial mistake can derail the entire process. While most people worry about disputes between heirs or ...