Probate is a long and costly process that can take a year or more, and it’s best to avoid it if you can. For a small estate with property valued below a certain threshold, the best way to skip the probate process is to use...
Have you ever wondered exactly what it means to be named as the executor of an estate? An executor has many important duties to carry out, and understanding what the executor of an estate has to do can help you make better choices. We put...
Choosing the right executor for your will is one of the most important parts of an estate plan. But what happens if you or your executor move to another state? Do you need to draft a new will? Can you have an out-of-state executor? Here’s...
If someone has chosen you to administer their estate after they’re gone, it’s normal to feel a little overwhelmed. Being the personal representative of an estate comes with many responsibilities. Luckily, the experienced team at Phelps LaClair is here to help you feel more at...
When a parent passes, sometimes we are shouldered with the heavy job of managing their after-death affairs. Unless this process is planned in advance and in detail with professional help, it quickly becomes a heartache. Some bereft children are left asking themselves questions like, “How did...
The unsettled estate of a deceased celebrity is back in the news. We recently discussed the problems surrounding Aretha Franklin’s multimillion dollar estate, which is now in probate. Had she established a living trust instead of leaving a handwritten will, the estate would not have...