In the intricate world of estate planning, trusts are invaluable tools for individuals and families to safeguard their assets and distribute them in a structured manner. However, the success of any trust hinges on the careful selection of trustees, individuals or...
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Estate Administration And Probate
Do children have a legal right to an inheritance when their parents die?
If there is one issue that contributes to probate litigation more than others, it might be a sense of entitlement. Individuals ranging from close friends and romantic partners to children sometimes have a profound sense of entitlement regarding a loved one’s assets...
Why do I need to worry about probate?
Probate is not only time-consuming but also a lot of work. The person you name as an executor or personal representative will need to inventory all your assets and file the supporting documents with the probate court. They need to communicate with the creditors of...
What should you do when a loved one dies?
Handling their will can be daunting and emotional when a loved one passes away. The process involves legal complexities that are covered by Virginia laws and procedures governing how to manage a deceased person's will. Knowledge of these laws can help the next of kin...
How debts influence the outcome of Virginia probate proceedings
When someone dies in Virginia, their personal property forms their estate. Before other people can take possession of assets that have been left behind, the estate will generally need to pass through probate court. Part of the process specifically relates to resolving...
Organizational tips for first-time estate executors
You probably feel honored to have been chosen to administer another party’s estate once they pass away. Most people take a serious approach to this role, hoping to make things as easy as possible for the deceased’s surviving family members. Estate administration is...
What happens when someone challenges a Virginia executor?
People generally assume the role of estate executor via one of two paths. In some cases, an individual agrees ahead of time to administer someone else's estate and has their name included in estate planning paperwork. Other times, the probate courts may appoint a...
Is there any financial risk to being an executor?
Being asked to be the executor of someone’s estate is both an incredible honor and a big responsibility. Unfortunately, most people don’t realize that can also be certain personal financial risks involved in accepting this position. As the executor of an estate,...
How long do creditors have to file claims against Virginia estates?
Those who create estate plans often include specific inheritances for the people closest to them. Even if someone didn't have a will, their close family members will typically inherit their property under intestate succession laws. However, it will usually be quite...
What are the rules for creditor communication during probate?
Serving as the personal representative of an estate is a very demanding and is often thankless responsibility. People have to accept hours of personal obligations in court and elsewhere to fulfill their duties. They have to talk with beneficiaries and family members,...