What if the decedent owned land in more than one state?

If there is no will, probate is usually required in each state where the real property is situated, in addition to the home state. Each state has its own unique pattern for distributing property when there is no will (intestate succession). All personal property and the real property located in the home state would be distributed under that state’s laws of intestate succession.

→ Read More

How much does probate cost and how long does it take?

The time it takes to probate an estate depends on how complicated the estate is, including whether or not the deceased left things in order. If the deceased left piles of papers to be filed and a paper bag full of receipts, it may take time to sort out initial issues, such as gathering assets, filing tax returns, and paying debts.

→ Read More

Massachusetts Probate: The Basics

Massachusetts probate courts handle the legal distribution of a person’s assets (known as their ‘estate’) after death. If you’re the legal heir to the estate of a recently deceased Massachusetts resident, you may have questions about whether the probate process is required or even necessary. The answer depends on the value of the assets comprising the estate of the decedent.

→ Read More

New Jersey Probate: The Basics

When a family member dies, there’s more to attend to than funeral arrangements. New Jersey probate laws govern the collection and distribution of a decedent’s assets (called their “estate”) to heirs and successors.

→ Read More

What are the duties of the executor of an estate?

The responsibilities of an estate executor include collecting property, hiring an estate attorney, publishing the necessary death certificates, locating accounts, business affiliations and tax documents, paying funeral expenses, and addressing debts and legal fees. Click this link for details about each of these processes.

→ Read More

What is the Texas probate system like?

When a person dies and leaves property that has not been transferred to another person by way of a trust, a right of survivorship, or a gift (say, through a will), the property will be distributed through the process of probate. The role of the Texas probate court and all persons hired by the court to facilitate this process is known as probate administration.

→ Read More

Executor of a Will: Distributing Personal Property of the Deceased

The executor of a will has many responsibilities that might seem more important, but unfortunately the distribution of the personal property of the deceased can be among the most difficult of the tasks the executor will face. Personal property is often not specifically mentioned in the will, and whether an estate is large or small, family members may have a difficult time agreeing who gets what. The executor of the will does have certain responsibilities with regard to distribution of personal property of the deceased.

→ Read More

As executor, in what order should I handle my duties?

Executors (also known as estate administrators) are financial caretakers specifically assigned a decedent’s will. An executor plays an important role in protecting and distributing the estate of a deceased person to the proper family members. What many executors may not realize is that you are also responsible for making certain decisions and tying up any loose financial ends as well.

→ Read More