You’ve worked hard and invested wisely to build your wealth. And when the time comes, you’ll be passing that wealth down to your heirs. Naturally, you want to leave the largest legacy possible. But unless you plan ahead, probate fees could consume up to 7%...
When Angela lost her father unexpectedly last year, she had no idea that she would have to go through a lengthy court process before she could claim her inheritance. On top of her grief, she found herself knee-deep in paperwork, attorney meetings, and court dates...
There are seven steps in the probate process. First, the court will have to verify the will. Then it is up to the “executor” or “personal representative” to take an inventory of the assets, pay off any debts, and distribute the remaining assets to the...
Aretha Franklin has been in the news this week. She died last August without a will, and her estate of $80 million dollars has been tied up in probate court. It was announced several days ago that as some of her belongings were being moved...
Probate is a long and costly process that places an unnecessary burden on your loved ones. If you want to avoid probate in Arizona, you’ll need more than just a will in your estate plan. Wills are always subject to probate, and that is why...
Owning multiple properties can be a dream come true. Maybe you bought a vacation home in California and a ski cabin in Colorado, or you own rental properties in Florida. Property ownership can be an exciting venture, especially while you’re enjoying the benefits of your...
Probate is the legal process of validating a will, settling a deceased person's debts, and distributing their assets to heirs or beneficiaries. The court oversees this process to ensure that is properly carried out. Probate can take over a year and involves expensive court fees...
If you have a large estate or die without a will, your estate will go through probate after you pass. This court process can be overwhelming for your loved ones and create conflict regarding distribution. Whether you’re administering a loved one’s estate or getting your...
The death of a loved one is a challenging time. Unfamiliar legal terms, documents, and processes can make this time even more overwhelming. If you've received a notice of probate of will, or have to send them out as the executor, you may be wondering...
Many couples opt for joint bank accounts as a convenient way to manage their finances. When set up correctly, a joint bank account can ensure seamless access for your loved one after you pass away. Because, in most cases, joint bank accounts are not subject...