- Completing a Small Estate Affidavit in Missouri
When the estate of a deceased loved one is required to go through probate, the process can be lengthy, costly and demanding in terms of energy and attention. In Missouri, as in other states, this process sometimes can be bypassed by using a small estate affidavit. A small estate affidavit is a legal document that… read more…
- Completing a Small Estate Affidavit in Oklahoma
When a loved one passes away in Oklahoma, a small estate affidavit may be used to bypass the probate process used to settle the estate. A small estate affidavit can help heirs and beneficiaries by speeding the release of estate assets that may be needed to pay essential expenses. It can also save money and… read more…
- How Limited Guardianship Works in Illinois
Limited guardianship in Illinois is a legal arrangement designed to protect individuals who are unable to fully manage their personal affairs due to physical or mental limitations. This type of guardianship grants the guardian specific court-defined powers rather than complete control over the individual’s life. Whether you are considering limited guardianship in Illinois for a… read more…
- How Limited Guardianship Works in Florida
A limited guardianship in Florida is a legal arrangement where a court grants specific decision-making powers to a guardian for an individual who is partially incapacitated. Unlike full guardianship, where all rights are transferred, limited guardianship provides a balance between autonomy and necessary support. As a result, guardians may need to consult a financial advisor… read more…
- Completing a Small Estate Affidavit in Oregon
A small estate affidavit in Oregon allows heirs to transfer a deceased person’s assets without going through a lengthy probate process. This can facilitate asset distribution in a way that minimizes time and legal expenses. To initiate the process, the heir or executor must file a small estate affidavit with the probate court at least… read more…
- How to Avoid Probate in Nebraska
Avoiding probate can help you simplify the inheritance process. There are several estate planning strategies that Nebraska residents can use to manage and distribute assets efficiently. These can include creating a living trust and using transfer-on-death deeds, among others. Working with a financial advisor can also help you build a personalized estate plan for your… read more…
- How to Avoid Probate in Montana
Avoiding probate can save time, money and stress for your beneficiaries. If you do not have an estate plan before death, the state may direct the probate process to determine beneficiaries based on your will, if you have one, or laws that may not align with your last wishes. Working with a financial advisor can… read more…
- How Much Does Probate Cost in Arkansas?
Probate costs in Arkansas typically include court fees, attorney fees and executor fees, though the total of what you spend will depend on the size and value of the estate. Other potential costs might include appraisal fees for real estate or personal property, as well as miscellaneous expenses such as postage and copies. Consulting a… read more…
- How Much Probate Costs in Wisconsin
The cost of probate in Wisconsin will largely depend on the size and complexity of the estate. Expenses typically include filing and legal fees, as well as compensation for the executor. To manage these costs, you can plan your estate in advance by creating a will or a living trust, and designating beneficiaries. If you… read more…
- Completing a Small Estate Affidavit in Michigan
A small estate affidavit can simplify the process of transferring property when someone dies. This legal document allows heirs to bypass probate, which could save both time and money. To qualify for a small estate affidavit, the estate must be valued under a certain limit, you will need a death certificate and proof that the… read more…
- Completing a Small Estate Affidavit in Arizona
Completing a small estate affidavit in Arizona can speed up and simplify the process of managing a deceased person’s estate without the need for formal probate. It can be used only for estates with a relatively low total value, and also has to meet other criteria. When it is allowed, this process can save significant… read more…
- Completing a Small Estate Affidavit in Washington
In the state of Washington, the small estate affidavit process offers a streamlined method for transferring assets of a deceased person without going through the full probate process. This legal tool can save time, reduce costs and simplify the handling of an estate as long as the total value of the assets falls below a… read more…
- Completing a Small Estate Affidavit in New York
Completing a small estate affidavit in New York is a streamlined way to settle a deceased person’s estate when it falls below a certain monetary threshold. This process, also known as a Voluntary Administration, is less costly and time-consuming than formal probate, making it ideal for estates with a value of $50,000 or less. Though… read more…
- How Limited Guardianship for Adults Works
When an adult is unable to make all decisions independently, whether due to physical or mental incapacity, limited guardianship may be beneficial. Limited guardianship for adults is a legal arrangement that grants a guardian authority to make specific decisions on behalf of an individual. Meanwhile, this individual, also known as the ward, retains some independence.… read more…
- How Limited Guardianship Works in Michigan
Limited guardianship in Michigan is a legal arrangement where a guardian is appointed to make certain decisions on behalf of another individual who can’t fully care for themselves. In Michigan, the process of establishing limited guardianship involves filing a petition in probate court, where a judge evaluates the necessity of guardianship and outlines the specific… read more…
- What Is Limited Guardianship and How Does It Work?
A limited guardianship is a legal arrangement where a guardian is appointed to assist an individual, known as the ward, with specific areas of decision-making while allowing the ward to retain some level of autonomy in other areas. Unlike full guardianship, which grants the guardian broad authority over the ward’s life, limited guardianship is tailored… read more…
- What Is Short-Term or Temporary Guardianship?
Short-term or temporary guardianship is a legal arrangement in which a designated guardian is given the authority to care for a child for a specific period. This type of guardianship is often used in situations where the child’s parents are unable to provide care due to circumstances such as illness, military service or emergencies. Unlike permanent… read more…
- 9 Estate Planning Strategies to Consider
Estate planning can help you manage your assets in life, and minimize taxes and legal complications for your beneficiaries after death. Comprehensive strategies typically include wills to distribute assets upon death, trusts to manage assets for beneficiaries, and powers of attorney to designate individuals who can make financial and healthcare decisions on your behalf. If… read more…
- How to Avoid Probate in Maine
Avoiding probate in Maine can help those looking to streamline the transfer of assets after their passing. Probate can be a lengthy and costly process, involving court supervision of the estate’s distribution. Understanding how to avoid probate in Maine can help individuals ensure that their assets are transferred smoothly to heirs without unnecessary delays or… read more…
- How to Avoid Probate in Alaska
For many individuals who plan on transferring assets after their passing, it’s important to avoid probate in Alaska. Probate can be a time-consuming and costly process involving the court’s supervision when it comes to distributing the deceased’s estate. By understanding how to avoid probate in Alaska, individuals can ensure that their assets are transferred directly… read more…
- How Much Probate Costs in Utah
The process of going through probate can incur fees and other expenses, which can impact the estate’s value. Knowing how much probate costs in Utah can help executors, administrators and beneficiaries plan and manage the estate. Or, if you’re setting up an estate, maybe you decide to explore options that will help your heirs avoid… read more…
- How Much Probate Costs in Pennsylvania
Probate is the legal process through which a deceased person’s assets are distributed to their beneficiaries. Whether you’re preparing to manage the estate of a loved one, or want to set up your own estate to avoid probate, it’s important to understand the associated costs. How much probate costs in Pennsylvania varies depending on the… read more…
- How to Fill Out a Small Estate Affidavit Form
Filling out a small estate affidavit form can simplify the process of transferring a deceased person’s assets without the need for a lengthy probate procedure. This form is typically used when the estate’s value is below a certain threshold, which varies by state. To complete the small estate affidavit form, you’ll need essential details about… read more…
- Completing a Small Estate Affidavit in Colorado
Completing a small estate affidavit in Colorado allows heirs to claim a deceased person’s assets without the need for a lengthy probate procedure. This is available for many Colorado estates valued at or below $82,000 in 2024 and involves filling out a specific form and providing necessary documentation, such as a death certificate. The small… read more…
- How Much Does Probate Cost in Colorado?
Probate costs in Colorado can vary significantly based on several factors, including the size and complexity of the estate, as well as attorney and court fees. Typically, probate costs in Colorado include court filing fees, which often range from a few hundred to several hundred dollars, attorney fees that may be charged hourly or as… read more…