Estate taxes can be a confusing topic. The state does not charge them, but the federal government may. These taxes are typically only a concern for those with vast assets. The IRS explains estate taxation and how it works. You need to know this because your estate...
An executor of an estate is responsible for handling taxes, settling debts and distributing property to beneficiaries. Depending on the circumstances, the executor could also have to file court paperwork and undergo probate. Probate laws differ by state. If you are...
Most wills must go through probate, which is the process of proving them valid, paying creditors, and distributing assets to heirs. Some probate cases proceed smoothly and resolve in a short amount of time. However, others can go on for months while the court tries to...
Many people view the probate process with wariness. This is in part due to confusion about it. Since probate proceedings have the potential to be simple or complex, there are many misconceptions floating around about them. 1. If you have a will your estate does not go...
A diligent individual may leave behind a will with clear instructions for distributing an estate after death. Some in the family may not be happy with the document's contents and challenge the expressed wishes. Individuals and their inheritors should know how to...
An appointment as the executor of an estate is an enormous task that, at times, may seem overwhelming. You want to manage your duties successfully, but how do you avoid making missteps that could land you in legal hot water? What the role entails In the work of...
After your death, your last will and testament must undergo verification in court. Your executor will help this process along, ensuring that everything you wanted to happen will come to fruition in your absence. This includes any special stipulations you may have...
Most people create wills to protect their assets and their future beneficiaries, but what happens when someone disagrees with a will's contents and wants to contest it legally in probate? The Balance notes that if the creation of a will does not meet all of the legal...
When organizing an estate, there are a host of matters you must address before signing the final papers. If you are in the process of creating a last will and testament, it is important to include all property and assets of your estate, then determine what...
One of the reasons for probate in Tennessee is to verify the validity of estate planning documents such as a will. If you wish to contest a loved one's will, it is important for you to know which conditions could make a will invalid. Focusing on areas of concern may...
