Executing a will is an essential part of probate, which can also help the court and the surviving family decide what to do about the deceased's estate. This document should be a source of guidance and solace, but there can be scenarios when family members must go to...
While it is ideal for a probate proceeding to run as smoothly as possible, it is sometimes unavoidable to face some obstacles along the way. Common issues include missing documents, will contests and other disagreements among heirs. However, there is another issue...
In the aftermath of a loved one's passing, the distribution of their assets through a will should ideally bring closure and unity to a family. However, reality often unfolds differently, with family members contesting wills for various reasons. 1. Unequal distribution...
When a loved one is dealing with age-related impairments, everyday decision-making can become challenging. These impairments can be due to dementia, Parkinson’s disease or other disorders. In these situations, considering guardianship might be necessary. Choosing a...
Executors have a fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of the estate they are managing and its beneficiaries. This duty is based on trust, loyalty and good faith. Unfortunately, some executors take advantage of their power and deliberately breach their duty, such...
The contents of your will, from creditors you owe to chosen beneficiaries, are deeply personal matters. You realize the importance of maintaining their confidentiality until your executor needs to step in. However, this privacy is short-lived. Once you pass, the...
If you are put under a conservatorship, a court-appointed person manages your estate, including your business. This means that you are presumed mentally incapacitated, incapacitated or missing. How could I lose my business to a conservatorship? Losing your business to...
When making plans concerning your estate, you could already have someone in mind as the personal representative. This person conducts tasks on your behalf, affecting the estate you left behind after death. This role has an extensive list of duties, including...
Probate administration, the legal process of settling an individual's estate after their passing, often carries a veil of mystery and misunderstanding. Dispelling some prevalent myths surrounding probate administration can help you feel more in control during this...
Even the healthiest people may eventually develop a medical condition or illness that prevents them from caring for themselves. That is why it is so important to prepare for this possibility by choosing someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are no...