After a death, it’s not necessary to get a probate court’s approval in order to transfer many valuable assets to the people who inherit them. All kinds of property, including real estate, cars, bank accounts, and stocks may not need to go through probate. It all depends on how the deceased person set things up.
Here are some articles that will help you sort through the assets in the estate you’re handling, and determine which ones require probate and which ones don’t.
How surviving family members can get all available benefits after a loved one dies.
Beneficiaries need to know how to collect life insurance and Social Security payments that belonged to the deceased; the executor of the estate doesn't usually handle this task.
Learn ten ways to search for unclaimed life insurance benefits.
If an estate is small enough, under state law, then inheritors won't have to go to probate court at all.
How to take ownership of POD assets you inherit.
How to document the transfer of property held in joint tenancy and other kinds of survivorship property.
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At Nolo, we prioritize quality and transparency because we know how important reliable legal information is to our readers. Our information is meticulously researched, regularly updated, and written in plain English by our experienced writers and editors. Learn more about our editorial standards.