Probate

Life insurance proceeds typically bypass probate if you name a living beneficiary (e.g., a spouse, child, or trust). However, if the beneficiary is deceased, you name your estate as the beneficiary, or the policy lacks a valid beneficiary, the payout may go through probate. When Life Insurance Avoids Probate 1. You Named a Living Beneficiary…

If an executor refuses or fails to probate a will, heirs can petition the court to remove them and appoint a new administrator. Delays risk asset mismanagement, creditor lawsuits, and the estate being distributed under state intestacy laws (as if there were no will). Here’s what you need to know. Key Consequences of an Executor…

In Ohio, there’s no strict deadline to open probate, but you must file the deceased’s will with the probate court within 30 days of death. Delaying probate risks penalties, creditor disputes, or legal complications. Ohio Probate Filing Deadlines: What the Law Says Consequences of Delaying Probate in Ohio Waiting too long to file probate can…

Yes, you can sell your deceased parent’s house without probate if the property was held in a living trust, jointly owned, or transferred via a transfer-on-death deed (TOD). States also allow small estate affidavits for low-value estates. Act fast to avoid probate delays—here’s how. Why Avoiding Probate When Selling an Inherited House Matters Probate can…

After losing her husband, Carla avoided 18 months of probate delays—and kept their home, retirement savings, and family heirlooms. Here’s how you can protect your loved ones’ assets too. Probate in Florida can drain an estate’s value with fees, delays, and court battles. The good news? Many assets bypass probate entirely, passing directly to heirs….

Deadlines, Pitfalls, and Simplified Steps to Protect the Estate. Losing a loved one in Florida comes with urgent legal responsibilities—even while you’re grieving. There’s no strict deadline to start probate, but waiting too long can freeze assets, trigger lawsuits, or even forfeit property to the state. This guide cuts through the confusion with plain language,…

After her father’s passing, Maria avoided 18 months of probate delays and accessed his savings in just 10 days. Here’s how you can do the same—no lawyer required. Losing a family member is heartbreaking, and the last thing you need is a tangled legal process. The good news? Many bank accounts can be transferred quickly…

Probate records are invaluable for genealogists, heirs, and anyone researching a deceased person’s estate. These documents include wills, inventories, creditor claims, and distribution records—offering a wealth of historical and legal insights. Fortunately, you don’t need to visit courthouses or pay hefty fees to access them. This guide will show you how to find probate records…

Losing a loved one is emotionally draining, and navigating the legal complexities of their estate can feel overwhelming. If you’re wondering, “How long do I have to file probate in California?” the answer isn’t as straightforward as you might hope. California has no strict legal deadline to initiate probate, but procrastination can trigger financial penalties,…