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23 Tag Results
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November 07, 2009
Estate
The word 'estate' refers to items owned by individuals who have died. An estate can consist of the decedent's home, car, personal belongings and valuable assets such as jewelry or collectable artwork.
When a person dies their estate must be settled through a process known as probate. The exception is when decedents establish a trust. Many types of trusts exist. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Trusts are generally reserved for estates valued over $100,000; however, strategies exist for smaller estates to avoid probate.
Real Estate Investing article on "Estate"
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 24, 2009
Trust
Trust refers to a vault which holds valuable assets, along with a person's Last Will and Testament. People use trusts to transfer inheritance assets upon their death. When a trust is used, inheritance assets do not have to pass through probate and generally are exempt from taxation.
Many people believe establishing a trust is complicated. While this can be true for exceptionally wealthy people, many types of trusts exist which are simple to establish. Some of the most common include living, revocable, irrevocable, testamentary, and irrevocable life insurance trusts.
Real Estate Investing article on "Trust "
October 14, 2009
Estate Administrator
Estate administrator refers to a person appointed to manage the estate of a person who has died. Administrators are generally family members, a professional estate planner or probate attorney. When a family member is appointed to this position, they typically require assistance from a professional to ensure legal documents are properly filed through probate court.
An estate administrator has multiple duties. It is important to appoint someone capable of handing financial matters and able to make difficult decisions under stress. Administrators must be at least 18 years of age and never convicted of a felony. It is best to appoint an estate executor who resides in the same state as the decedent. However, this is not a necessary requirement.
Real Estate Investing article on "Estate Administrator"
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 "
October 04, 2009
Probate Litigation
Probate litigation refers to obtaining legal assistance to resolve conflict surrounding inheritance assets. Heirs or beneficiaries must retain the services of a probate attorney in order to contest the decedent's last will. Probate litigation is oftentimes required when decedents die intestate (without a Will).
Probate litigation can prolong the probate process for months or years. I know a woman whose stepfather passed away without executing a Will. Although single at the time of his death, four of his six ex-wives came forward to lay claim to his estate.
Real Estate Investing article on "Probate Litigation"
September 14, 2009
Will
Executing a legal Will is one of the greatest gifts you can leave your loved ones. A Will is used to express burial preferences and name beneficiaries to receive property and personal belongings. The Last Will and Testament gives you the opportunity to have the final say in the event of your death.
A Will is also used to appoint an estate administrator. Most often this person is a family member or close personal friend. Depending on the size and complexity of the estate, some people retain a professional estate planner or probate attorney to manage their estate. It is a good idea to use the services of a neutral third party if family strife exists.
Real Estate Investing article on "Will "
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"
June 07, 2009
Will Estate Planning
Will estate planning is an important aspect of life. Many people do not understand the consequences of failing to make preparations for death. Reality is no one makes it out alive. If you do not engage in estate planning, the responsibility will rest with your family. Worse yet, your estate management could be turned over to complete strangers!
Will estate planning involve executing legal documents which outline your final wishes. The Last Will and Testament is used to appoint an estate administrator who will oversee your estate. This person will have many duties to perform. They should be good with finances and able to make difficult decisions under stress
Real Estate Investing article on "Will Estate Planning"
June 01, 2009
Life Insurance Trust
A life insurance trust is used to protect insurance proceeds from estate taxation. Beneficiaries are designated within the policy and distribution schedules are established. The life insurance policy is placed inside the trust and managed by a Trustee.
A life insurance trust consists of a Trustor, Trustee and beneficiaries. The Trustor is the person who establishes the trust. The Trustee is the person who manages the trust. This person is designated through the policyholder's Will.
