One of the most frequent questions that estate planners get is, “How do I avoid probate?” There are plenty of estate planning strategies for avoiding probate. For example, trust assets can be distributed outside of probate. Another method of keeping property intact without going through probate is through joint ownership….
Also known as an executor or administrator, a personal representative is Missouri’s name for a person who handles the distribution of an estate throughout the probate process. There are other tasks to complete as well, and understanding the obligations of a personal representative can help through the process. What is…
Most people know that they should avoid probate, but not why. One of the biggest reasons to avoid probate is to ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes. However, when an estate goes through probate, its distribution is left up to the court. Plus, it’s a public…
Going through the probate process is typically the last thing you want to go through after your loved one passes away – especially if he or she dies without a will. A Last Will and Testament greatly simplifies the probate process, but what happens if there is no will? Probate…
Many people don’t think about probate until they’re going through it themselves. It can be a complicated process, so many fail to properly plan their estate to avoid putting their loved ones through probate. However, what many don’t know is how much an estate needs to be worth in order…
Probate law is often confusing. On top of the emotional toll of a loved one’s death, you must also deal with the process of handling their estate. Even an estate with a carefully crafted will may require probate, and that’s when it can be helpful to know the different types…
Handling a family member’s death is always an overwhelming process, especially so when his or her assets go through probate. Probate is the process of handling assets after a person has died. A will must be executed or, if there is no will, must be distributed by an administrator. In…
Sometimes clients do not know when they need a lawyer if they are dealing with the administration of an estate. Probate administration is expensive, and it is time consuming, so it is in your best interests to retain an experienced estate planning lawyer. Sometimes you may discover that it is…
If you place your assets in a will, then your estate must pass through probate administration. Probate is a long process that is also expensive. Also, probate can be stressful for family members who do not understand how the decedent’s property is going to be distributed. If you want to…
