When family members inherit a home together, disagreements over selling or keeping the asset often arise. As more Californians inherit real estate during the administration of a loved one’s estate, co-owners may reach a stalemate. When communication about what to do...
Being the executor (also known as personal representative) of a loved one’s estate after they’ve passed away can feel like an overwhelming responsibility. Most people take that responsibility very seriously and want to ensure that they fully carry out the deceased’s...
The probate courts oversee the administration of estates. They help ensure that a personal representative follows the will of the deceased party in many cases. Other times, they may need to follow the instructions for property distribution included in intestate...
You may have previously been asked to be an executor of a friend’s or relative’s estate. Alternatively, a court may have appointed you as administrator of a decedent’s estate. Either way, the two jobs carry a lot of responsibility that not everyone is able to...
You might feel proud that someone chose you to be the executor of their estate for them. It indicates they have a high level of trust in you as a person and in your ability to accomplish the job. However, it is easy to read this the wrong way. Some executors feel that...
Serving as both the executor and a beneficiary of an estate is common, especially in families where one person is deeply trusted to handle the details. While the law allows it, this dual role can create tension among heirs and open the door to misunderstandings. The...
As an executor (also known as a personal representative), you probably pictured a pretty straightforward probate. You’d gather assets, pay off debts and then distribute what’s left according to the will’s instructions. Unfortunately, things don’t always unfold so...
Personal representatives administering estates generally need to be competent multitaskers. They need to manage multiple challenging issues at once. They may need to occasionally attend hearings in court. They have to secure and properly manage estate resources. They...
An estate executor is the person who is named in an estate plan (or who is appointed by a court) to ensure the final wishes of the decedent are complied with. There are also other duties that this individual must perform. The duties of an estate executor can be...
Administering an estate entails legal responsibilities that require careful attention to detail. While social media is a common way to share life updates, posting about estate matters can lead to legal and personal complications that are best avoided. Ultimately,...