When a loved one passes away, it is a time for mourning and reflection. Family members come together to respect the final wishes as laid out in the deceased’s will if they have one. Gallup reported that only 45% of Americans say they have a will. This important...
Probate And Estate Administration
Should I name co-executors to handle my estate?
The decision to name an executor for your estate may prove harder than you had imagined, perhaps because you have multiple children who may want the position. It may seem simple to name them as co-executors, but this is an option to take with great care. Co-executors...
Can you safeguard your family during probate?
Creating a foolproof will may not prove enough to keep your family afloat during probate proceedings. Since the process may take time to rectify, your loved ones may suffer for a time without adequate access to the financial support they need. Is there a way you can...
What does a trustee do?
A trustee is a person you put in charge of managing a trust you create. This person takes immediate control over the assets in the trust, and he or she has a lot of power to dictate what happens with them. You will outline the duties of the trustee when you create the...
Are executors liable for mismanaging an estate?
When you agree to serve as the executor over someone’s Mississippi estate, you are also agreeing to uphold a number of important obligations and responsibilities. Serving as someone’s executor takes time, and the position often involves tracking important dates, tying...
4 mistakes to avoid as a fiduciary
A person who writes a will or creates a trust may name you as an executor or trustee. You could also become an estate administrator by court appointment. In any of these cases, you become a fiduciary with the responsibility of managing assets for someone else's...
What mistakes should you avoid when choosing an executor for your will?
Choosing an executor for your will is one of the most critical steps when planning your estate. Your executor has control over paying off your debts, filing your will and distributing your assets. Picking the wrong person could slow down the process after you pass....
What you should know before becoming executor
If a family member or close friend approaches you to propose you become the executor of their estate, you may want to do some research before agreeing to the important role. When someone asks you to oversee their estate once they pass it may seem like a compliment....
Can a sibling dispute end in probate litigation?
Not everyone experiences a childhood with siblings without conflict. In fact, childhood spats are common, and it is just as common for those rivalries and arguments to carry on into adulthood. Of course, adding money to the mix is never a good thing, and relatively...
Should you make a relative your executor?
When making your estate plan, you will need to pick an executor. This person will carry out your wishes in accordance with your will and other official documents included in your estate plan. Thus, they will play a major role and hold a lot of responsibility. It is...