If you’re the executor of a relative’s or friend’s estate, one of their largest assets (in size and value) may be their home. Whether it’s a small condo or a sprawling house, if it will be empty, you need to take immediate steps to secure it. That may mean changing...
estate administration
Don’t let a loved one become a fraud victim after they’re gone
It’s hard for most people to fathom, but some people think nothing of profiting off someone’s death by stealing their identity. In fact, some 2.5 million people who die in the U.S. become identity theft victims annually. The problem is so widespread that there’s even...
1 estate administration mistake could cost the executor money
Agreeing to serve as the executor of someone's estate comes with a lot of responsibility. You will have to manage everything from securing the property to hearings in probate court. Not only do you have to settle the decedent's accounts, but you also have to hand out...
Should you agree to be the executor of someone’s estate?
A good friend asked you to be the executor of their estate. Or perhaps was your parents or a sibling. You feel honored that they trust you with such a big responsibility. But you’re not exactly sure you’re the right person for the job. Should you agree to handle...
Does an executor have to file tax paperwork for the deceased?
Estate administration involves settling someone's accounts and fulfilling their final wishes as laid out in their will. An executor takes on some risk by managing the finances of the deceased individual. Perhaps one of the most nerve-wracking concerns is the potential...
3 reasons a will might be challenged in Nashville
It is fairly rare for someone to contest a will during probate, but it does happen. Some of these challenges are based on legitimate evidence and concerns. Other times, the challenge comes from a child or other relative who is unhappy about being left out of the will...
The more an executor knows, the better
When a Nashville resident creates an estate plan, he or she will need to include a person or people to serve in certain roles. For instance, a will needs an executor to handle the tasks needed in order to close the estate and distribute its assets. Any individual...
Plan right, and your executor will have an easier time
You have an estate plan, and you think it's as good as it's going to get. Before you think that you're done, wait a second and consider talking to your attorney. What you think is iron-clad could actually be an estate plan that is not as well-planned as you thought....
Take steps to plan for yoru estate’s final bills
When you pass away, do you know what debts you'll leave behind? Do you know how your family will be affected or how those debts will be paid? If you don't have a living trust at the time of your death, your estate will move into probate to help sort everything out....