Mary Randolph

Mary Randolph

J.D. · UC Berkeley School of Law

Mary Randolph earned her law degree from the UC Berkeley School of Law. She is the author of The Executor's Guide: Settling a Loved One's Estate or Trust, 8 Ways to Avoid Probate, and other books about law for nonlawyers. She has been a guest on The Today Show and has been interviewed by many publications, including the Wall Street Journal, the Los Angeles Times, the San Francisco Chronicle, and more.

Articles By Mary Randolph

What Does The Executor Do When There's No Will?
If you're wrapping up an estate and can't find a will—or the will you've got isn't valid—state law steps in.
Terminating (Closing) a Living Trust
The trustee can terminate a living trust in just a few months. Here's what is involved in the process.
What Tax Returns Must The Executor File?
An overview of all the tax returns the executor might need to file on behalf of the deceased person or the estate.
Steps in the Probate Process: An Overview
Here's a roadmap of the common steps involved in the probate process.
What Property Is in the Living Trust?
If you're administering a living trust, first you need to find out what property was actually held in the trust.
Will Probate Be Necessary?
Executors might be pleasantly surprised to find that they won't need to conduct a whole probate court proceeding.
Opening a Bank Account for Estate Funds
To collect the deceased person's cash assets and to have a way to pay the bills, you'll need a bank account for estate funds. Here's how it works.
The Meaning of "Children" in a Will
The word “children” in a will might seem simple, but it can get complicated due to circumstances like adoptions, stepparent relationships, and timing.
How a Special Needs Trust Works
Special needs trusts can make sure a beneficiary with a disability can inherit from family while staying eligible for important government benefits.
How do I close my deceased parents' checking account?
If you are named as a POD beneficiary on the account, or if you're managing the estate in a probate proceeding, closing the checking account and getting the funds should be fairly easy.