Explaining the Law, Empowering You

"How To Probate An Estate" is essential reading for anyone thinking about acting as an executor of someone’s estate! By using it, you'll learn about the various stages of probate and what you will need to do at each stage to successfully navigate your way through to closing the estate and distributing the deceased’s assets.

This book is designed to guide you step-by-step through the probate process and to give you the knowledge and confidence to act as an executor. It explores each step of the process from the moment the deceased passes away right through to the distribution of the deceased’s assets and the closing of the estate. It covers non-routine matters such as obtaining death certificates, dealing with autopsies and planning funeral arrangements; as well more typical matters such as locating, collecting, managing and distributing assets. You'll learn how to deal with creditor claims, what taxes need to be paid and even how to wind up a living trust if necessary.

Having this book is like having someone help you through the probate process - step-by-step!

“How to Probate an Estate” is your one-stop resource for successfully probating an estate. It answers your questions in plain simple English and takes the mystery out of settling an estate. It’s like having an attorney working with you!

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Chapter 1: Overview of Probate and the Executor Role
What is Probate and How is it Commenced?
Letters of Authority
Why are Letters of Authority Necessary?
Are Letters of Authority Always Needed?
Who is Entitled to Apply for Letters of Authority/Administration?
The Executor’s Role Once Appointed
Who is Entitled to be an Executor?
Out-of-state Executors
How Long Does Probate Take?
How Much will Probate Cost?
Do You Need a Lawyer?


Chapter 2: Duties and Responsibilities of Executors
Responsibilities of an Executor
General Duties of an Executor
Fiduciary Duties of an Executor
Duty to Adhere to the Terms of the Will
Duty to Secure Assets
Duty to Keep Estate Assets Separate from Other Assets
Duty to Act Personally
Duty to Act in the Best Interests of the Beneficiaries
Duty to Account
Duty to Invest Prudently
Duty to Carry Out Duties Without Payment
Duty to Not Benefit Personally
Powers of an Executor
Executor’s Liability
Protections for the Executor from Liability
Protection Under the Terms of a Will
Obtain the Consent of Beneficiaries
Take Out an Executor’s Insurance Bond
Obtain the Consent of the Probate Court
Payment of Compensation to Executors
Should you Accept the Role/?
What to Expect When Appointed!
Resigning After Accepting the Appointment
Declining to Act as Executor


Chapter 3: The Executor’s Duties: What to Do Immediately
After Death
Introduction
What to Do if Death Occurs at Home
Autopsy Requirements
Obtain Copies of the Death Certificate
Review Letter of Instruction
Locate the Will and Other Important Papers
Organize Anatomic Gifts
Arrange Funeral and/or Memorial Service


Chapter 4: Making Sense of the Will and What to Do if There isn’t One
Determining Whether a Will is Valid
Age of Majority
Mental Capacity
Undue Influence
Format of a Will
Signing of a Will
Witnessing a Will
Notarizing a Will
Reading of the Will
Notify Beneficiaries and Others
Dying Intestate
Partial Intestacy
Appointment of an Administrator
Distribution of Assets on Intestacy

Chapter 5: The Executor’s Duties Taking Stock
Estimate Cash Needed for Immediate Future
Reducing Expenses During Those First Few Days
Determine Various Special Needs (e.g. minor children)
Initial Inspection and Protection of Property


Chapter 6: What an Executor Should Do in the First Month
Introduction
Set up a Filing System to Cover Probate & Estate Matters
Organizing by Category
Organizing by number
Filing Tips
Obtain a Tax Identification Number
Open a Bank Account in the Name of the Estate
Sort Through the Deceased’s Personal Belongings
Review Letter of Instruction
Review Check Books and Bank Accounts
The Deceased’s Mail
Safe Deposit Box
Claim any Unpaid Salary, Insurance and any Other Benefits
Managing the Estate
Send Death Notices to the Utilities, Banks and Credit Card
Companies
Cancel Unnecessary Estate Outgoings
Dealing with Depreciating Assets
Securing Assets
Managing Personal Property
Managing Real Estate
Joint Tenancy with a Right of Survivorship
Tenancy by the Entireties
Tenancy in Common
Community Property
Management of Property
Managing Cash Accounts and Investments
Managing a Business
Sole Proprietorships
Partnerships
Limited Liability Companies
Managing Debts of the Estate
Dealing with Taxes
Keep Copies of all Documents


Chapter 7: Property that Doesn’t go Through Probate
When is Probate Necessary?
Payable on Death or Transfer on Death Accounts
Transfer on Death Securities
Retirement Accounts
Joint Accounts
Custodial Accounts
Savings Bonds
Life Insurance Proceeds
Joint Ownership of Property
Revocable Living Trust
Gifts
Probate Free Transfers of Assets


Chapter 8:How to Initiate the Probate Process
What are the Main Steps in a Probate Procedure?
Who Can File the Petition?
Where to File a Petition for Probate
Ancillary Probate
How Long will Probate Take?
Is a Lawyer Required to Assist with Probate?
Types of Probate
Small Estates
Small Estate Affidavit
Small Estate Administration
Unsupervised Administration
Formal or Supervised Probate Administration
Initiating Supervised Probate
Notifying Interested Persons
Proving a Will and Dealing with Will Contests
Letters Testamentary
The Requirements of a Surety Bond
Notifying Beneficiaries
Collecting and Inventorying the Estate’s Assets


Chapter 9: Creditor Claims
Dealing with Creditors
Identification and Notification of Creditors
Time Limitations on Submission of Claims
Evaluation of Claims
Payment of Claims in Solvent Estates
Priority of Payments in Insolvent Estates
What Assets Should Not be Used to Pay Debts?


Chapter 10: Estate Tax
Responsibilities for Payment of Tax
Income Taxes
Federal Income Taxes of the Deceased
State and Local Income Taxes of the Deceased
Federal Income Taxes of the Estate
State and Local Income Taxes of the Estate
Estate and Inheritance Taxes
Federal Estate Tax
State and Local Estate and Inheritance Taxes


Chapter 11: Distributing Assets and Closing the Estate
When Can I Close the Estate and Distribute the Assets?
The Requirement for an Accounting
Preparing an Accounting
Formulating a Plan for the Distribution of the Estate Assets
Ademption
The Doctrine of Lapse
Simultaneous Death
A Spouse’s Right of Election
Homestead Allowance
Family Allowance for Support
The Exemption for the Benefit of the Family
Right to Remain in the Family Home
Right to Receive Family Residence
Right to Automobiles
Right to Reimbursement of Funeral Bill
Abatement of Assets
Disclaimed Inheritances
Petitioning the Court to Approve the Plan of Distribution
Giving Notice of the Hearing
Distributing the Estate Assets
Real Estate
Cars, Boats and Other Vehicles
Cash Accounts
United States Savings Bonds
Broker Accounts
Publicly Quoted Stocks and Bonds
Other Property
Transfer of Joint Tenancy, Community and Other
Survivorship Property
Distributing Property to Children
Obtaining and Filing Receipts
Closing the Estate
What if the Estate isn’t Ready to be Closed?


Chapter 12: The Settling of Trusts
What is a Trust?
What Exactly are Living Trusts?
Parties to a Living Trust
The Successor Trustee

Obtain Certified Copies of the Death Certificate
Obtain a Tax Identification Number for Trust
Notify Beneficiaries
Collection and Management of Trust Assets
Claim Life Insurance Proceeds
Gain Access to Bank Accounts and Other Financial Accounts
Identify Debts Owed by the Grantor
Management of the Trust Assets
Maintain Proper Accountings of Trust Assets
Preparing and Filing Tax Returns
Federal Estate Tax
Income Taxes
Trust Income Tax Returns
State Taxes and Pick-up Taxes
Transferring Property to Beneficiaries
Administering a Child’s Trust
Conclusion

The following forms are included with this book:-

Estate Planning Worksheet

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