During probate, a court oversees the distribution of a person’s estate. It can be a complicated process, but proper estate planning can help it go smoothly. Unfortunately, many people don’t take advantage of the estate planning options available to them. According to...
If you’re the beneficiary of an estate, you might be expecting a nice inheritance – but don’t go spending that money quite yet. Before heirs can receive their inheritance, the estate’s creditors must be paid. This typically occurs during the probate process, and it...
Long-term care costs can devastate an estate. When a person dies owing money for long-term care, an lien may be put on any property the deceased owns, and a claim may be made against the estate. Here’s what you need to know about long-term care costs and personal...
If you’re serving as the personal representative of an estate, you’re taking on a big responsibility. As the personal representative, you’re tasked with making an inventory of the estate’s assets, paying debts and distributing the remaining assets to heirs. A court...
After a person dies, the estate typically has to go through probate, a legal process in which a court oversees the distribution of assets and payment of debts according to the terms of the will. Although probate can sometimes be avoided through estate planning, it is...
What happens if one spouse disinherits the other? The answer, as with many complex legal questions, is that it depends. In Oregon, however, surviving spouses have the right to what is known as the spousal elective share. Key Terms to Know Before diving into the Oregon...