The first step to handling your loved one’s estate legally is to get official approval to be the person in charge, the executor or administrator.
Read MoreYou will need to fund the estate account with all of the deceased person's accounts. You will want to add all of the funds besides "payable on death" and joint tenancy accounts to the estate account.
Read MoreTo determine whether your estate qualifies as small, follow these steps.
Read MoreSmall estates do not need to file probate, which can simplify the process. Your next step will be to submit a signed affidavit to the court.
Read MoreWhich debts the estate needs to pay, and in which order, depend on the state and whether the estate has more money than is owed or not. You are likely not personally liable.
Read MoreThis means compiling a list of real estate, personal property, bank accounts and debts as line items with a detailed description of each item and its fair market value.
Read MoreIf someone dies without a will, it is called dying "intestate." This means that the laws of the state where the deceased person lived will determine how property (including bank accounts, investments, real estate, and personal belongings) is distributed among family members.
Read MoreSo that you can get an idea of the process ahead of time, here is a high-level overview of the steps in the probate process.
Read MoreThe documents a deceased family member leaves behind may prove crucial to having the process of end of life tasks run smoothly. Below is a list of documents you’ll need to secure, and some tips on where to look.
Read MorePublishing an obituary is one of the five most important things you can do after a loved one dies. In addition to providing an outlet for mourning, it can help add meaning to the process of grief and bring together friends and family of the deceased for a memorial/funeral service.
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