Everyone wants to know: “How long will this probate take?” Completely normal situations, like selling estate property or dealing with stock certificates, can add delays. However, a basic probate case can close in about a year with attentive support staff. Please note that the COVID backlog persists which together with court under-staffing cause 3-6 month…
One of the most vulnerable human experiences is mortality. Understandably, many of us may feel unprepared to lose a loved one. There may have been much left unsaid, or maybe too much painfully said, when they were alive. Either way, the finality of death forces some practical aspects to get clear, if not instantly, then…
For some, probate is about protecting family property. To keep everyone clear on who owns what, you’ll want the county’s ownership records updated. Perhaps you’ve just arrived near the end of probate, and have an Order for Final Distribution in your hands. Let’s get right to the point. Your court might issue an order, but…
Biggest Concerns When a Probate Includes a Property in Foreclosure Proceedings Family deaths are never easy. Not only are you faced with loss, but you’re often faced with having to sort through the legal process necessary to settle an estate. One large asset that is normally included in a will is a house. Since houses are…
Have you wanted to comfort a survivor, yet felt befuddled, hesitating to intrude awkwardly on someone’s sorrow? Does the distance feel wider when the survivor is a child? Luckily, some kind and creative folk have illustrated and authored books about death and loss for children. My favorite is The Dead Bird, by Margaret Wise Brown (of Good Night Moon fame), illustrated by…
Probate is a long and frustrating process. Difficult on its own, probate is further complicated by its proximity to grieving and end-of-life complexities. I’ve found that those who prepared well for death also prepared well for inheritance and other post-death concerns. I wanted to be prepared too, but I didn’t know where to start. Thankfully Atul Gawande,…
If someone named you as a pay-on-death beneficiary of a life insurance policy, a retirement-type account (IRA, deferred compensation plan, 401k, etc.), or even just a brokerage or regular bank account, you will need to find out how to claim the asset. The following are some general tips – not legal advice. Be sure to…