Mary Randolph earned her law degree from the Boalt Hall School of Law at the University of California, Berkeley. 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
Transferring Joint Tenancy Real Estate After a Death
Property held in joint tenancy is usually easy to transfer to the survivor after the other owner dies.
How to Tell If a Will Was Revoked or Replaced
It's not enough just to find the will--the executor also must make sure that the will-maker didn't revoke or replace it later.
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.
Can the Executor of a Will Be Removed?
Can you "fire" the executor? A court can always remove an executor who is dishonest or seriously incompetent.
How Can a Will Be Contested or Challenged in Court?
It's usually difficult to successfully challenge a will--but it happens.
The “Executor” of a Trust: The Successor Trustee
The person who serves as the "executor" of a living trust is called the "successor trustee."
Filing the Will with the Probate Court
If there's a will, you can't start a probate case until you file it with the court.
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.
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.
What Will The Probate Lawyer Do?
You don't have to turn everything over to a lawyer—these days, legal services are available a la carte, which can save on legal fees.