Legal Advice

While there is no requirement to use a lawyer, probate is a rather formal procedure. One minor omission, one failure to send Great Aunt Tillie a copy of the petition, or a missed deadline, can cause everything to come to a grinding halt or expose everyone to liability. 

Before the business and legal issues of the estate can be pursued, it will be necessary to obtain certified copies of the death certificate.

Because banks are subject to both state and federal regulations, procedures can vary greatly from bank to bank and state to state. 

The executor of an estate has full responsibility with regards to your funeral arrangements. If so desired your executor can change anything with reference to those arrangements. This is the person all funeral homes take direction from. 

Wills are simple, inexpensive ways to address many estates.If your looking for guidelines to help you make your will, this is the section for you. 

Probate is the process that transfers legal title of property from the estate of the person who has died (the "decedent") to their proper beneficiaries. 

Creditors should be notified promptly following a death. If there is to be a delay in meeting debts or installment payments, you may be able to file for extensions.