Probate, the court-supervised process of settling someone’s estate after their passing, can be a daunting and overwhelming experience for the family they leave behind. With its intricate web of legal procedures, tax implications and emotional decisions, it is no...
Estate Administration
How can an executor prepare before the testator dies?
Becoming someone else’s executor can be a significant duty, often involving various responsibilities that become urgent once the testator dies. Preparing could be crucial if the situation involves complex asset types and circumstances. There may be limited methods to...
Different ways you can donate your estate to charity
People who are passionate about specific causes can extend their support beyond their lifetime by donating through their estate. This thoughtful act makes certain your values live on while benefiting the organizations you hold dear. In America, there are several...
How can you deal with a manipulative executor?
When a loved one dies, the executor of their will has the responsibility of carrying out their final wishes. However, not all executors act with integrity. Some may resort to manipulation and deceit. If you find yourself dealing with a manipulative executor, you may...
3 ways to find proper documentation for estate administration
Managing the affairs of a deceased loved one can be tricky. After all, estate administration comes with plenty of legalities. Without papers such as wills, deeds, financial statements and insurance policies, executors may struggle, and you may have a harder time...
What are some common myths about probate?
Probate is a legal process that takes place after an individual passes away. It involves the administration and distribution of the deceased person's estate, which includes their assets, debts and possessions. The primary goals of probate are to validate the deceased...
What can potentially go wrong during probate?
Probate, the legal process of administering a dead person's estate, can be a complex undertaking. While it usually leads to a fair distribution of assets, there are potential pitfalls that can arise. Understanding these pitfalls is important for those navigating the...
Simpler methods of probate offered by New Jersey law
Sometimes probate takes a long period to complete. A 2018 survey by Estate Exec found that the average time for probate lasts for 16 months. However, New Jersey offers a way to expedite the distribution of some estates through more convenient methods. Wealthy or...
How and when may an executor pay off the estate’s debts?
New Jersey’s probate statutes require an estate’s executor to notify the deceased’s heirs and all reasonably known creditors. A valid will that lists the deceased‘s heirs may, for example, also require recent billing statements for the estate’s executor to refer to....
Handling a dispute as the administrator of an estate
Whether a beneficiary accuses you of failing to distribute the assets of an estate correctly or misusing funds for your personal benefit, there are different reasons why you could become involved in a dispute as the administrator of an estate. In the event that such a...