What's Probate and Why Should You Avoid It?

Probate is the court process for distributing assets to the beneficiaries of the diseased. It's expensive, and often unnecessary.

Will Probate Be Necessary?

Executors might be pleasantly surprised to find that they won't need to conduct a whole probate court proceeding.

Summary Probate for "Small Estates": Legal Overview

Here's what to expect if the estate you're administering is eligible to use streamlined "summary probate" procedures.

I'm The Executor - Do I Need to Hire a Lawyer?

Many executors are able to wrap up an estate themselves, without hiring a probate lawyer.

Paying a Probate Lawyer: Costs & Types of Fees

There are several different ways to structure payments to a probate lawyer--be sure you pick the one that makes the most sense for your situation.

Choosing a Good Probate Lawyer

It’s a good idea to spend some time interviewing a few probate lawyers before you settle on one.

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. This can save on legal fees.

Steps in the Probate Process: An Overview

Here's a roadmap of the common steps involved in the probate process.

Tips For Dealing With The Probate Court

If you're the executor and you're going through probate, make the court clerk your new best friend.

Probate Process in Uniform Probate Code (UPC) States

The probate process is easier in states that have adopted the Uniform Probate Code (a set of laws designed to streamline probate) - only sixteen have.

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.

What Assets Must Go Through Probate?

Lots of assets, including real estate and retirement accounts, may not need to go through probate.

Probate Shortcuts for Transferring Cars and Boats

Many states offer useful probate shortcuts when it comes to transferring vehicles to the people who inherit them.

Ancillary Probate: More Proceedings in Another State?

Any probate lawyer will tell you that the only thing worse than regular probate is ancillary probate, which may be necessary when estate assets are held in more than one state.