Estate Administration And Probate

When naming an executor for your estate, you can choose a loved one or a professional party, such as your attorney or bank. Which of these two options is most suitable?  Here is what you need to know to make an informed decision: Expertise Executing an estate requires...

One of the hardest parts of being the executor of someone’s estate is coping with the emotions of the deceased’s family members and friends. When people are grieving, they can act in unusual ways – and some heirs and other family members may get demanding. With that...

As the executor of your loved one’s estate, you have a lot of duties to handle – not the least of which is preserving the estate’s assets. To that end, it may fall to you to clean out your loved one’s home. Since much of what the home contains may be part of the...

When someone living in the Fairfax area dies, local courts likely have jurisdiction over their estate. Family members with an interest in the estate may have questions about the overall probate process. Those who may serve as the personal representative of an estate...

An estate consists of the property in an individual's name when they die. Everything from their personal property and their vehicle to their home may be part of their estate. Some people create estate plans where they name specific beneficiaries. They can nominate the...

Selecting the right executor is a critical decision when preparing your estate plan. This person will manage your assets and follow your final wishes after you pass away. Financial literacy is a key trait to look for in an executor. Executors must act in the best...

Losing a loved one is never easy. Besides the emotional turmoil, there are practical matters to attend to, such as settling their estate. One of the first steps you may encounter in this process is understanding the difference between probate and non-probate assets....

There is a lot to consider when planning for your death. Once you have chosen who you want to leave your assets to, you probably want to look for a way to do this as efficiently as possible. Doing it without an understanding of tax laws or things like tax-free gifting...

There are many complicated and even frustrating tasks required during estate administration. The process helps ensure the fulfillment of a decedent's personal obligations and the proper distribution of their resources. The personal representative of an estate has to...

People often feel so overwhelmed by the emotional responses to a death in the family that they overlook practical issues. Even intelligent, organized individuals may let their grief dictate their conduct in the early days after someone's passing. Unfortunately, legal...