AgingCare Article: Estate Administration: Know What to Do When a Loved One Dies

The strong emotions that come with a love one’s passing are often followed by bewilderment when survivors realize all of the financial and legal steps they must take to settle their affairs. The spouse who passed away may have handled all of the couple’s finances, leaving the other uninformed and overwhelmed. Or perhaps a caregiver must begin probating an estate which he or she knows little about. In some cases, the estate itself may be in disarray or scattered among many accounts.

Probate can be intimidating, but understanding how the process works and having some expert legal tips at your disposal will help you execute your duties confidently and correctly.

What is Probate?

Probate, or estate administration, is the process by which a deceased person’s property, known as their “estate,” is passed to the heirs and beneficiaries named in their will. A probate court supervises the entire process, which usually takes about a year, depending on the size and complexity of the estate…

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