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...
You're great at setting a budget, saving money, and spending wisely. You might even have a business degree, be financially savvy, and stay up to date on the latest economic news. If that sounds like you, perhaps you’re wondering: Do I need estate planning advice,...
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...
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...
Did you know that you can designate a beneficiary for most bank accounts? Naming a beneficiary is the easiest way to allow your loved ones to access your accounts and avoid having to deal with the complications of probate court. Here’s why you need a...
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...
Many people believe that listing their assets and naming beneficiaries in a will is enough for their estate to avoid probate. However, wills are always required to go through probate, because the court needs to validate them. Probate is the legal process of distributing the assets...