Learn how probate validates a will, pays debts, and distributes assets to heirs. State intestacy laws apply when there is no ...

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Matthew F. Erskine is a trusts and estates attorney. Probate is a term that often sends shivers down the spine of those unfamiliar ...

Probate is the legal process for distributing your property after you die. Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain ...

If you’re named as an executor in a loved one’s will, you’ll be responsible for sorting out their affairs and sharing out their assets. This process is known as estate administration. This generally ...

Putting everything you own into a living trust can feel like the safest way to help your kids skip probate, but some assets ...

Probate is the formal legal process that gives recognition to a will and appoints the executor or personal representative who will administer the estate and distribute assets to the intended ...

A grant of probate is a document which confirms the executor of a will has the authority to deal with the deceased’s assets. In the majority of cases, you will need to apply for a grant of probate. If ...

Before you invest time and money into probate avoidance strategies, it's worth taking a step back to understand whether this ...

If you’re an active real estate buyer, at some point you’ll likely come across a probate sale. Properties sold in probate court can be a good deal, as they’re often priced lower than other homes. But ...

Grieving the loss of a loved one is hard enough, and families are lucky if they're able to prepare in advance for the worst. What most families aren't prepared for, though, are the predatory calls and ...

The fee for obtaining copies of probate grants, wills or letters of administration increased from £1.50 to £16 per copy on 17 November 2025. This means that, for example, an application for a grant ...