Losing a family member is a challenging time, both emotionally and practically. Handling their estate can seem overwhelming, but understanding the necessary steps can ease the process. This guide outlines five essential steps to manage a deceased loved one's estate...
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Estate Administration And Probate
What happens during the administration of an insolvent estate?
Every estate is different from the next. Estates consist of all of the property that belongs to a deceased individual. In addition to having responsibility for the assets owned by the decedent, estates also assume their financial obligations. In some cases, personal...
What qualifies for simplified probate as a small estate in Virginia?
Losing a loved one is hard enough without complicated legal procedures. Thankfully, Virginia offers simplified probate options for smaller estates that can save you time, money and stress during an already difficult period. What makes an estate "small" in Virginia?...
5 probate myths that can cost your family thousands
Estate planning becomes crucial as we age. And yet, many Virginia families still hold misconceptions about the probate process. These misunderstandings can lead to costly mistakes and unnecessary stress when someone in your family dies. Here are five truths behind...
Estate administrators: Are you aware of IRS Form 1041?
Estate administrators are called upon to handle financial matters and to work to ensure proper tax filings on behalf of a deceased’s estate. One of the most important tax obligations for estate administrators involves IRS Form 1041, the U.S. Income Tax Return for...
Who is responsible for managing probate?
Probate is a legal procedure that occurs after an individual's death. It involves proving in court that a departed person's will is valid, identifying and doing inventory of the deceased's property. It also involves assessing the property, repaying debts and taxes and...
The benefits and risks of using transfer-on-death designations
Individuals establishing or updating estate plans often have specific goals they want to achieve. Keeping assets out of probate is a popular estate planning goal. People want to avoid scenarios where their loved ones can't access resources for months. They don't want...
How can you simplify trust administration for your heirs?
Trust administration requires legal knowledge, but you can take steps to make it easier for your heirs. Planning can help your loved ones avoid confusion and stress during a difficult time. Simplifying trust administration benefits your beneficiaries and makes sure...
Can surprise siblings demand part of a parent’s estate?
The death of a parent is often a life-changing event. People who lose their parents experience profound grief and often change in their financial circumstances. Inheriting intergenerational wealth can allow people to improve their circumstances and provide a better...
How are a decedent’s debts handled?
Losing a loved one is a traumatic experience, but it’s sometimes the start of being harassed by creditors. If your loved one passed away and had open credit accounts, those creditors will likely want their money; however, there are strict limits to what they can do...