Guides
Plain answers to the questions families ask after a death, from finding the will to closing the estate.
February 17, 2026
An explanation of the legal process of validating a will, settling an estate, and distributing assets, detailing when this court-supervised process becomes mandatory.
February 15, 2026
An explanation of dying intestate, how state laws dictate asset distribution (line of succession), and the role of the court-appointed administrator.
February 13, 2026
An overview of how a living trust works, its primary purpose of avoiding probate, and the roles of the grantor, trustee, and beneficiary.
February 11, 2026
A breakdown of the legal duties and responsibilities of the person appointed to manage a deceased person's estate during the probate process.
February 9, 2026
The final steps in the probate process, including filing final accounts, distributing assets, and officially being discharged by the court.
February 7, 2026
A detailed guide to the legal and financial responsibilities of an executor, including asset location, debt settlement, tax filing, and final distribution.
February 5, 2026
An explanation of state-specific procedures that allow small estates (under a certain dollar limit) to transfer assets without full, formal probate court.
February 3, 2026
The critical distinction between assets that must pass through the court-supervised probate process and those that pass automatically by contract or law.
February 1, 2026
An explanation of the difference between community property and separate property, and how each type affects the probate process after death.
January 28, 2026
An outline of the typical timeline for the probate process and the common factors that can cause significant delays, extending the closure of an estate.
January 26, 2026
A step-by-step guide to the legal process an Executor must follow to satisfy the debts of the deceased using the estate's assets.
January 24, 2026
A detailed look at the legal grounds and motivations for challenging the validity of a Will during the probate process, leading to litigation.
January 22, 2026
A list and explanation of common non-probate assets, including life insurance, retirement accounts (401k/IRA), and joint tenancy property.