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
Taking a Dog-Bite Case to Small Claims Court
Most dog-bite disputes are settled through negotiations between the injured person and the dog owner or insurance company, but some proceed to small claims court. Here's how a typical case might unfold.
Dog Bites and Other Injuries: A Dog Owner's Legal Defenses
When a dog hurts someone, its owner might be able to avoid legal responsibility based on the victim’s actions.
How to Find the Right Probate Lawyer
Look for more than just legal expertise.
Filing an Income Tax Return for an Estate
When and how to file an income tax return for an estate.
Is a Living Trust Public?
One of the advantages of using a living trust, instead of a will, to leave the bulk of your property is that it gives your family more privacy.
Talking to Neighbors Who Have a Barking Dog
Even if you think it won't help, it never hurts to try to work something out when dealing with a neighbor's noisy dog.
Georgia Probate: An Overview
Probate is a court-supervised legal process that may be required after someone dies.
Access to Online Accounts: Helping Your Executor and Loved Ones
Make sure your executor or another trusted person can find the passwords and usernames for your digital accounts.
Avoiding Probate With Transfer-on-Death Accounts and Registrations
Leave property without probate using payable-on-death accounts, registrations, and deeds.
Naming a TOD Beneficiary for Your Car
If your state allows it, consider naming a transfer-on-death (TOD) beneficiary for your vehicles.