You and your siblings have had your fair share of arguments over the years. Fearing that their own passing will lead to serious family conflicts, your parents have created an estate plan. The goal is to give you instructions so that you don’t have to make decisions on...
Probate is the legal process that helps facilitate the transfer of assets following a death. This process can take a considerable amount of time. When problems arise, it can result in extended delays and increased frustrations. 1. Someone contests the will If a person...
When your parents pass away, they may have a will that tells you who in your family gets which assets. Even if they do, though, major assets -- like a family home -- may be left jointly to multiple siblings. Then, you and your siblings need to make all of the...
If you are required to execute someone’s estate, one of your first tasks after their death is to compile an inventory of assets. Getting it right is crucial, not least because you need to verify that it is true when you present it to the court. You have three months...
You may believe that because a will names you as the executor of the estate, you have the authority to take care of matters in the way the testator expressed. The testator may have gone over all the details with you, and you feel confident of your ability to carry out...
A well-developed estate plan can protect assets and heirs from a lengthy probate process, litigation and even excess administration fees. When a loved one reaches a time in their life when they believe it is in everyone’s best interest to solidify or revise their...