As the executor of someone's estate, it is your responsibility to distribute the deceased person's assets according to their wishes or state laws. This can be a complicated process, particularly if there are missing heirs who need to be located before probate can be...
Probate and Estate Litigation
4 red flags that could signal an invalid will
Reading the will of someone you love after they pass away or when they are very ill can be a painful, emotional experience. It can be even more upsetting if you spot certain red flags that the document may not accurately represent your loved one's wishes. Red flag:...
Conflict during estate litigation can strain family relationships
If you are on the fence about creating an estate plan because you are unsure whether you need one, you might want to think about the experience your loved ones might have if you do not have one. Because as much as an estate plan can protect your wishes, it can also...
3 reasons people try to avoid probate
Distributing assets after a person passes away can be a painful, emotional process. Often, loved ones find themselves confronted with legal motions, financial obligations and difficult decisions, all in the wake of a devastating loss. Considering this scenario,...
How emotions can complicate estate administration
It is impossible to take all emotions out of the process of settling a person's affairs after they pass away. However, people should know how their emotional responses can affect the process - and it's not always for the best. Emotions and decision making As one...
Recent estate plan changes can trigger probate disputes
If you have an estate plan, you have the right to ensure it reflects your wishes. And as time goes by, those wishes can change, which is why it is crucial to update your plan. That said, as valuable as it is to revise an estate plan, there are ways people do it that...
How emotions can affect the probate process
Probate is a legal process, but it is also a highly emotional process. Often, it can be a challenge for parties to separate their emotions from the legal demands but doing so – at least to some extent – can make probate a little easier. If you have recently lost...
Why do people want to avoid probate?
When a loved one passes away, it can be enormously difficult to cope with the emotions and lifestyle changes the follow. There can also be numerous details to address, from planning a funeral to notifying others. However, people often fail to recognize the legal...
