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Estates, Executors & Probate Court
If you find yourself in charge of winding up a loved one's estate, you probably don't know where to start. Here are tips on tackling this demanding job, one step at a time. (Good news: you may never need to set foot in a probate court.)
Simplified Probate Procedures
Simplified Probate Procedures
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Small Estate Probate Shortcuts: Why Even Large Estates May Qualify
Depending on your state's law, your inheritors may be able to skip regular probate.
Questions on Executors & Probate
Questions on Executors & Probate
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If one owner of property held in joint tenancy dies, who pays the mortgage?
My fiancé passed away last year. Our deed lists us as "joint tenants with rights of survivorship." To settle his estate, his family wants to pay off his half of the mortgage owed on the property. Does this mean that his beneficiaries would then automatically own his half of the property?
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Must 401(k) plan beneficiaries pay income tax on withdrawals?
I have a 401(k) plan that's worth about $50,000. Will my beneficiaries have to pay taxes or penalties if they withdraw this money when they inherit it after my death? Can they roll it over into another tax-deferred plan?
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My dad died and I don't know whether he left a will. What should I do?
My father died a few years ago, and I'm pretty sure he had a will. Is there a way to find out, and if he did, whether or not I am mentioned in it?
Helpful Books from Nolo
Helpful Books from Nolo
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A thorough guide to settling a loved one's estate, whether you're handling it alone or working with a lawyer.
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How to Probate an Estate in California
Everything you need (including court forms) to take an estate, big or small, through California probate court.
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A must-have resource for anyone serving as a successor trustee.
More
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See More Serving as an Executor Articles![]()
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The executor of an estate has an important job—protecting a deceased person's property, winding up their financial affairs, and distributing inheritances.
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Should You Accept the Job of Executor to Settle an Estate?
Are you qualified to be an executor and do you want to do the job?
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If you're the executor of an estate, here's what you'll need to do.
More Legal Topics
- Avoiding Family Disputes
- Charitable Gifts and Trusts
- Cryptocurrency and Estate Planning
- DIY Estate Planning
- Estate and Inheritance Taxes
- Estate Planning: An Overview
- Financial Powers of Attorney
- Getting Your Affairs in Order
- Intestate Succession
- Living Trusts
- Living Wills & Medical Powers of Attorney
- Pets and Estate Planning
- Ways to Avoid Probate
- Wills
- Avoiding Family Disputes
- Charitable Gifts and Trusts
- Cryptocurrency and Estate Planning
- DIY Estate Planning
- Estate and Inheritance Taxes
- Estate Planning: An Overview
- Financial Powers of Attorney
- Getting Your Affairs in Order
- Intestate Succession
- Living Trusts
- Living Wills & Medical Powers of Attorney
- Pets and Estate Planning
- Ways to Avoid Probate
- Wills