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January 11, 2010
Inheritance Law
In the United States, inheritance law is governed by the Uniform Probate Code. In place since 1969, UPC is a statute that outlines what happens to assets, debts, and financial affairs of a deceased person. Currently 18 states have adopted the Uniform Probate Code in its entirety, while the remaining 32 states have adopted parts of it.
Although inheritance law varies by state, the majority adhere to similar processes. First, an estate executor must be appointed. Oftentimes the executor is appointed through the decedent's last will. If no will exists, or the appointed estate executor does not want to accept responsibility, an Administrator will be appointed through probate court.
Real Estate Investing article on "Inheritance Law"
November 04, 2009
Wills Probate
Wills probate refers to a legal last will and testament executed by a person who had died. During probate, the last will must be validated and the estate settled before inheritance assets can be distributed to designated heirs.
An estate administrator is appointed in wills probate. This individual can be a spouse, family member, friend, attorney, estate planner or financial expert that specializes in handling probate cases.
Real Estate Investing article on "Wills Probate"
October 10, 2009
Decedents
'Decedents' is a term used in legal documents to reference persons who have died. It is most commonly used in last wills, revocable trusts and irrevocable life insurance trusts. Wills and trusts are used to bequeath inheritance assets to beneficiaries.
Decedents can give their personal belongings, financial assets and real estate holdings to whomever they wish. Most individuals gift assets to their spouse, children or direct lineage relatives such as sisters, brothers, mother, father, nieces and nephews.
Real Estate Investing article on "Decedents "
July 03, 2009
Last Will and Testament
Executing a Last Will and Testament is a relatively simple and inexpensive process. A Will is used to bequeath inheritance to beneficiaries. There are many ways to draft a Will, but the most common is to utilize the services of a professional estate planner. Doing so can protect the Will from being contested in probate court.
The Last Will and Testament involves several elements. First, a probate executor is designated to handle estate-related affairs. Estate administrators are responsible for a variety of duties, so it is best to discuss this position with the person before naming them in the Will.
Real Estate Investing article on "Last Will and Testament"
June 11, 2009
Probate Wills
Probate wills are legal documents which detail information about a decedent's estate. A Will includes the name and contact information for the person who will be responsible for handling the estate, a list of assets owned by the decedent, and the individuals who will receive those assets.
Also known as the Last Will and Testament, probate wills are submitted to the local courthouse in the decedent's place of residence. Every Will must be validated to ensure it abides by probate laws and is legally-binding. Certain steps must be followed before distribution of assets can occur.
Real Estate Investing article on "Probate Wills"
May 30, 2009
Probate Courts
Probate courts were established over 200 years ago to handle legal matters governed by equity law. The primary difference between equity law and civil matters is that equity cases involve entering decrees which direct someone to act or refrain from acting.
Probate courts focus on life matters that do not involve monetary awards. The most common cases heard in probate courtrooms include inheritance, estates, trusts, guardianship and conservatorships. Probate laws vary by state, city and county. Most cases require the assistance of a probate attorney.
Real Estate Investing article on "Probate Courts"
May 24, 2009
Probated
The term, probated, refers to estates held in probate. This process is used to determine the value of assets owned by a person who has died and validate their last Will. An estate administrator is designated within the Will and is responsible for overseeing the estate and handling numerous duties.
Strategies exist to prevent estates from being probated. These measures must be taken prior to death. Most are quite simple and can be accomplished without the assistance of an estate planner. Others require the execution of legal documents and require the services of a probate attorney.
Real Estate Investing article on "Probated"
March 29, 2009
Will Executor
A Will executor refers to a person that has been legally designated to oversee the estate of a person who has died. There are several names for a will executor including estate administrator, probate personal representative, estate executor, probate administrator and estate agent.
Regardless of the title, a will executor must be appointed through the decedent's last will and testament or by a probate judge. Nearly every estate must pass through probate prior to distribution of assets
Real Estate Investing article on "Will Executor"
February 19, 2009
Probate Estate
Probate estate is a term used to describe assets belonging to a person who has died. Probate is the legal process used to determine rightful heirs and establish a value for financial and real estate holdings. Everything the person owned must be transferred to the probate court before distribution to heirs can occur.
The process for transferring probate estate assets typically lasts several months. Much depends on the size and value of the estate. If the decedent established estate planning the estate can pass through probate relatively quickly. However, if the decedent died without executing a last will and testament, the process will take longer
Real Estate Investing article on "Probate Estate"
January 18, 2009
Inheritance Money
Inheritance money refers to cash and financial holdings gifted to heirs through a Will, trust or probate. When money and valuable assets are inherited, they must be processed through the court system to ensure the estate is distributed according to probate laws. An exception to this rule is when inheritance money is protected through trusts.
During probate, inheritance money is generally transferred to an estate bank account. All assets owned by the decedent must be inventoried and appraised. Financial accounts are frozen to ensure outstanding debts, taxes, liens and judgments are paid. Upon approval from the judge, final distribution can be made to named beneficiaries
