Being a personal representative comes with a burden of responsibilities and added pressure from family members. It makes sense to want to get it done as soon as possible. After a few months or a year, you might finally be able to close the estate. However, any...
Probate
Probate vs. non-probate assets: what is the difference?
When you plan your estate, it is crucial to comprehend the distinction between probate and non-probate assets. The probate process involves administering a deceased person's estate and distributing their assets. In contrast, non-probate assets bypass probate and...
Can loneliness lead to undue influence?
There is an alarming pandemic of loneliness among older Americans. In fact, according to reporting from Consumer Affairs, 60% of men and 71% of women over the age of 65 claim to be lonelier now than they were just a few years ago. Loneliness can have deadly...
Handling probate when you are the executor
The idea of taking an estate through the probate process might sound intimidating and excessive. Most used in situations where the decedent died without a will, you might face the responsibility of shouldering this task as an executor. Knowing what to expect might...
The probate process when there is a will
When someone dies, his or her estate goes through probate, which is the legal process of paying the estate's debts and transferring assets. When there is a valid will, an executor manages the estate and follows the directions outlined in the will. This individual has...
How can an executor organize estate assets?
If you have a parent who has chosen you to serve as the executor of his or her estate, you are probably wondering how you will handle such an important job when the time comes. Given that taking inventory of an estate is an important duty of an executor, you should...
Does Alabama have an estate tax?
You may have heard the phrase once or twice before: There are only two certainties in life, and those are death and taxes. Unfortunately, in many states, the two go hand-in-hand — when an individual dies, the estate becomes subject to certain taxes at the state or...
How does undue influence impact estate planning documents?
When planning your estate in Arkansas, you may have eager family members who want to help you. Particularly among those who may stand to benefit from your estate, you may observe an increased willingness to help and participate in planning. Involving your family in...
What do you know about avoiding probate?
While researching estate planning, you learn about probate and how it can drag out the time to finalize your estate. Could you skip the process? NerdWallet explains how to avoid probate and distribute your property quickly. Learn how to ensure your beneficiaries...
How the probate process works
If someone dies, the estate may have to go through probate. The person who is mainly in charge of this process is the executor or personal representative. If the will names this person, it is the executor, while if the court appoints the individual, it is a personal...