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 MoreIn many cases, the surviving loved ones are not obligated to pay your debt when you pass.
Read MoreAdd a joint owner or transfer on death to each bank and investment account and asset (e.g., car, real estate, business) to avoid probate.
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 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 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.
Read MoreProbate lawyers can help executors or administrators of the estate navigate through the probate process.
Read MoreNotice of petition for probate must be sent out to all beneficiaries and creditors
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