Probate

You’ve inherited a cemetery plot—now what? While it might seem like a straightforward asset, the rules around burial plots and probate are full of surprises. Spoiler: Sometimes they skip probate entirely. Here’s how to the legal gray area. Cemetery Plots 101: Are They Part of Your Probate Estate? In most states, cemetery plots are considered…

You might assume that buying a cemetery plot means it’s yours forever—but is that really the case? Most people purchase a plot with the expectation that it will serve as a final resting place for themselves or a loved one. But what happens when the original owner passes away?  Does the plot automatically transfer to…

Imagine inheriting a sunny Florida condo, only to discover you’ll lose $5,000–$20,000+ to legal fees and court costs before you even get the keys. Welcome to ancillary probate in Florida—a process as unpredictable as a hurricane.  With over 35% of seasonal homeowners unaware of these costs (Florida Bar, 2023), this guide breaks down every expense,…

Did you know that owning a vacation home or rental property in another state could cost your heirs between $3,000 and $15,000 in extra probate fees? Ancillary probate is a legal process required to transfer out-of-state assets, and it can be a costly surprise for many families. According to a 2023 American Bar Association report,…

Ever found yourself buried in the nightmare of probate paperwork, only to realize you’re one phone call away from clarity? The answer is just one call away: (586) 469-5150. You’re not alone. Every year, over 15,000 cases pass through Macomb County Probate Court, ranging from estate disputes to guardianship filings.  Knowing the right contact information—like…

Did you know that over 100,000 estates go through probate in Pennsylvania every year? If you’re dealing with the loss of a loved one and asking, “What assets are subject to probate in Pennsylvania?” you’re not alone. Probate can feel like a maze of legal jargon and paperwork, but here’s the good news: not everything…

Losing a spouse is one of life’s most emotionally devastating experiences. Amid the grief, you’re suddenly faced with a maze of legal questions—like whether you’ll need to negotiate the probate process. The answer? It depends. Let’s break down what probate means for surviving spouses, how to potentially avoid it, and why your state’s laws (and…

Picture this: You’re cleaning out your late father’s attic and stumble upon a dusty folder labeled “Stock Certificates – 1985.” Your heart races. Could this be worth thousands? But then reality hits—probate closed years ago, the estate was settled, and your siblings already split the inheritance. So… who gets this forgotten treasure? Can you just…

When it comes to estate planning, one of the most common questions I hear from clients is, “Do pour-over wills avoid probate?” It’s a great question, and the answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. Probate can be a lengthy, expensive, and public process, so it’s no wonder people want to avoid it. But…