My mom died just over a year ago, and I’m still knee-deep in probate. I’m barely average. The typical probate process to settle a will or the estate of somebody who dies without one takes 20 months, ...

Probate Initiation: An interested party, often a family member or creditor, petitions the probate court to open an intestate estate. Appointment of Administrator: The court appoints an administrator ...

Q. I was told that unlike wills, a trust doesn’t require probate and is not taxable. My main asset is a house that I want to pass on to my son. Would a living trust help? — Planning A. We’re glad ...

Grieving the loss of a loved one is hard enough, and families are lucky if they're able to prepare in advance for the worst. What most families aren't prepared for, though, are the predatory calls and ...

It’s difficult to wait for probate while debts go unpaid, but your patience might run out if an executor leaves things hanging to go on vacation. If your $60K inheritance is tied up and you’re stuck ...