Too many people have tragically died across the country and in Tennessee due to the pandemic. COVID-19 is creating numerous challenges for an overloaded healthcare system as it tries to help coronavirus patients and other individuals, such as cancer and heart patients, waiting for an ICU bed. Some of those who fell ill and passed away during this time may…
Probate is the court process for validating a will and appointing the personal representative to handle the estate. Probate also includes the process for administering the estate of the person who died. Experienced lawyers often represent the personal representative. They may also represent claimants who seek to invalidate the will or have a claim against the estate. Executors shouldn’t go…
The probate process occurs when a loved one passes away, and their will must be validated by the courts before assets can be divided and passed to heirs. All debts of the estate must be paid, and the wishes of the decedent must be met as defined in the will. Not every estate will be required to go through probate…
There are few words that elicit true horror like the words “probate litigation.” We understand. You worked hard for the life that you built, and you just want to make sure your loved ones are protected. There are ways to reduce the stress of probate and avoid litigation, so that your final wishes go off without a hitch. Review and…
Probate is a process that can be as emotionally driven as any other area of law that deals with interpersonal relationships. Hurt feelings can become the catalyst behind feeling the need to contest a will. Causing equal urgency can be the belief that some wrongdoing has occurred with the intent to defraud heirs to an estate. Invalidating a will is…
Avoiding probate litigation depends on a variety of factors, such as how well the family members get along, and the types (and amounts) of assets in dispute. Plain and simple, the fewer assets that pass through probate, the less likely there will be a probate contest. An experienced Maryville probate lawyer explains how the following options may reduce the size…
Probate is the way in which the assets of someone who dies are passed to his/her spouse, children, and other designees, and how creditors are paid. Probate requires that a personal representative be appointed (either by a Will or by the court) to collect, account for, and distribute the decedent’s assets. Typical assets include bank accounts, homes, cars, and retirement…