If you become an estate executor for a deceased loved one, you will probably find that probate will be an emotional and stressful time for you. As part of your duties, you must oversee the property and assets of your relative. This may feel like an overwhelming task,...
Probate
How can probate lead to stress?
Probate, a legal process to validate a dead person's will, can bring along a tough time for those left behind. The issues involved with this process often seem overwhelming to people. There are many ways the probate process can inadvertently become a source of...
How can you reduce arguments among beneficiaries during probate?
Probate, the legal process of giving away a dead person's assets, may lead to challenges for beneficiaries. Arguments often arise, creating tension among family members. However, it is possible to reduce conflicts during this difficult period. Clear communication...
4 ways to simplify the probate process for loved ones
Losing a loved one is undoubtedly a difficult experience, and navigating the probate process that follows can add an extra layer of stress. However, there are practical steps one can take during their lifetime to help ease the burden on their family when the time...
Do I have the right to contest a will?
Virginia does not have a probate court system. All probate matters go through circuit courts, according to the Virginia Court Clerks' Association. Despite this difference in the state, there is still the right to contest a will once it is in probate. Contesting a will...
Understanding the probate process
When someone dies in Virginia, probate refers to proving the validity of the decedent's will. Once the court validates it, formal administration refers to the appointment of an executor, management of the estate and transfer of assets to the beneficiaries. The...
What happens during probate?
Under Virginia law, assets go through probate if the deceased had assets in his or her sole name without a beneficiary form filled out or joint ownership at his or her death. Virginia does allow a limited probate process if the only asset is real estate or if the...
5 tips to help you succeed as the executor of an estate
If your Aunt Lucy named you as the executor of her estate, her sudden death may leave you feeling overwhelmed by the responsibility. Even as you deal with your own grief, you must take care of details with which you are unfamiliar. Here are five tips to help you...
Isolated seniors may be vulnerable to undue influence
Creating a comprehensive estate plan is one of the more effective ways to maintain control over what happens to a person's assets after he or she dies. Nowadays, though, many estate plans also deal with end-of-life matters, such as critical care decision-making,...
Probate Shortcuts – Part 1 – Real Estate
Virginia offers a few shortcuts in probate that not every state offers. One such shortcut is if the only asset that needs to be probated is real estate in Virginia. That means all other assets either had a joint owner on them (for example, a joint bank account) or had...