Estate Settlement

Yes, it is certainly possible for executors to be responsible for debts of the estate. Here’s what to know and how to avoid having that happen.

Small estate is a phrase thrown around a lot during probate. Here’s what that really means and if the estate you’re managing can be considered small.

Executors must keep personal expenses separate from estate account actions. Here’s a list of what they can and can’t pay for.

Executors are often a relative or friend of the deceased, making it likely that they would also be a beneficiary. Here’s why that’s legal and useful.

In nearly all cases executors are entitled to compensation for their efforts, but compensation isn’t the same for every executor— learn more with this complete guide to executor of estate fees.

Joint bank accounts are built for flexibility between people, so that means they aren’t frozen after death… right? Covering the real answer, suggestions, tips & more in this quick article.

While there aren't hard deadlines for closing estates, there are consequences that arise from delaying the process. Here’s how long an estate can really stay open.

While executors can be reimbursed by the estate for general travel expenses on behalf of the estate, writing off meals isn’t always the best idea.

While executors can appoint someone with the power of attorney, it is often a less useful and riskier option than assigning a resident process agent.

Yes. Executors can be beneficiaries and get paid for their work from the estate, therefore benefiting from a will. This is extremely common and normal during the probate process.

An executor can only refuse to sell a house if that refusal is aligned with what the will or local intestacy laws say. They cannot go against the will or law, otherwise, they can be forced by the probate court to take action or be criminally charged.

Executors often withdraw funds from the estate account to pay off taxes, pay estate debts, and distribute inheritances to beneficiaries.

As long as the executor is following the directions of the will or intestacy laws, selling a property is a common part of the estate settlement and probate processes.

Losing a loved one creates quite the paper trail — tax documents, legal documents, probate court forms... here's a helpful guide for knowing exactly how long these files need to be kept.

For a trustee to effectively manage and steward trust assets, a trust document should include appropriate language granting a trustee a few essential trustee powers. Some powers of a trustee are implied, while others must be granted in writing.

The executor of a will, or executor of an estate, is the formal estate planning term given to the individual responsible for settling the financial and legal affairs after an individual dies.