Menu

Personal Injuries: Basic Knowledge For You


What Is Probate?

Understanding how wills and estates work is critical, especially if you or someone you know is old or in poor health. The execution of the will will determine who gets the property of the deceased and how the estate will be divided up. To help you get a better idea of how the process works, here is an overview of one of the most important steps: probate.

What is probate?

Probate is a process that revolves around a court stamping a seal of approval on a will. Until that approval has been granted, the will cannot be executed and the estate of the deceased cannot be divided up and passed down. The general idea is that the court wants to make sure that the will is valid and that it accurately reflects the wishes of the deceased. Perhaps more importantly to the court, the process also ensures that debts are repaid and taken out of the estate before it gets split up and passed down.

What determines if a will is valid?

In most cases, the probate process proceeds smoothly and assumes that the will was valid. However, this can be called into question, since any party can challenge the process. When such a challenge is issued, the court will examine the claims of each party and determine if the will is valid. Common causes for such conflicts can include illegitimate children wishing to claim sections of the estate, cases where the will was tampered with, or even situations where the deceased was coerced into signing and/or writing a will.

How does the court handle the debts of the deceased?

The estate of the deceased is inventoried and then any debts (including taxes) are examined. If the debts are valid, then the creditors will be repaid from the value of the estate. If the estate doesn't contain money and is instead made up of valuables like jewelry, then portions of the estate may be auctioned off in order to pay the pertinent debts

Who represents the deceased's estate in the process?

The executor of the estate is responsible for making sure that the will gets through probate and that the estate is properly divided up and passed down. They will also need to inventory the estate and make sure that debtors are repaid, so there is a fair bit of responsibility involved with the position. If the executor is not acting in the interests of the estate, then they may be held liable and removed from the position.

To learn more, contact a probate attorney

About Me

Personal Injuries: Basic Knowledge For You

I have worked as a legal office assistant for about 20 years. The office specializes in personal injury claims, and many clients are looking for settlements. I have great compassion for the individuals I see, and most people are looking for money to pay their bills. Unfortunately, insurance claims are difficult and clients often file the wrong paperwork. They don't see many doctors due to costs, and settlement offers are generally low. I know that lawyers can help to raise claims substantially. They know the law and they can offer advice to clients so good results are seen. I want you to learn some basic information about personal injuries, insurance settlements, and the general claims process. Your rights and needs are important, but it's difficult to secure a settlement if you know nothing about the law. Gain some knowledge today, so your personal injury decisions are the right ones.

Latest Posts

Trusts vs Wills: Understanding Your Estate Planning Options
14 August 2024

When it comes to estate planning, many people are

The Importance of Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer
14 August 2024

Getting into a car accident can be a traumatic exp

The Importance of Speaking to an Attorney About Creating Your Will
20 June 2024

Creating a will is one of the most important steps

Navigating Your Way to Compensation: A Guide to Personal Injury Claims
19 April 2024

Suffering from a personal injury can be a painful

The Role of Special Education Attorneys
27 February 2024

Special education attorneys play a crucial role in