estates, wills and probate litigation

Are you surprised to learn that Americans spend nearly $2 billion on probate every year? In fact, more than half of Americans have not written a will or built an estate plan, and this figure is significantly higher for African and Hispanic Americans (68% and 74%,...

Serving as the executor of an estate is an important duty that involves many administrative tasks. The executor is in charge of carrying out the will and distributing the property of someone who passed away. Understanding your responsibilities as an executor can help...

When a loved one dies, the last thing you want to deal with is the court. However, most estates must go through probate court. Probate is the process by which the court verifies a deceased person’s will and settles their debts. Probate court is often an emotionally...

At the age of 80, your widowed father is still healthy, and, though a long-time Georgia resident, he enjoys spending time in his Sarasota condo during the winter months. When he dies, you stand to inherit that property, but first, an ancillary probate proceeding must...

When a person dies with a will, it may need to go through probate. For loved ones, this may mean waiting a while before they inherit what the decedent wanted them to have. The probate process is something that many are not familiar with before having to become so....

After an individual dies, much of his or her property may have to pass through a series of legal steps before assets pass on to beneficiaries. Probate is the legal term for this process.  If the deceased had a will, the designated executor, or personal representative,...

If you agree to serve as an estate executor or administrator for a friend or family member, you must pay estate expenses and distribute property upon his or her death. Usually, this process goes smoothly, but you may experience challenges if a third party decides to...

Like many people, you may feel that estate planning is no urgent matter. Even if you are nearing – or past – retirement, you will likely think you can delay it if your health is good. Yet, having an estate plan in place will protect your assets and your loved ones in...

Some people who do not have an estate plan may insist that they don’t need one and tell you that they never plan to draft one, but they’re in the minority. Most people who do not have a plan simply haven’t done it yet. They are procrastinating the process, despite...

Some people who do not have an estate plan may insist that they don’t need one and tell you that they never plan to draft one, but they’re in the minority. Most people who do not have a plan simply haven’t done it yet. They are procrastinating the process, despite...