Probate

When an individual passes away, their assets, including any real estate, usually go through the legal process known as probate. This process can complicate access to property for beneficiaries since assets in probate are essentially frozen until the estate is settled. This is particularly significant when the asset in question is a home. An Indianapolis attorney at Frank & Kraft examines the various factors influencing what happens to a home during probate in Indiana and the role of the … [Read more...] about What Happens to a Home During Probate in Indiana?

Probate litigation in Indiana encompasses the legal challenges that arise during the administration of a deceased individual’s estate, particularly when disputes surface regarding the distribution of assets. Engaging in probate litigation can feel overwhelming, particularly for those unfamiliar with the process. To shed light on this complex area of law, the Indianapolis attorneys at Frank & Kraft offer an overview of probate litigation in Indiana. What Is Probate? Probate is the … [Read more...] about Understanding Probate Litigation in Indiana

When you pass away, your estate will go through the legal process referred to as “probate.” Probate serves several important functions, including the identification and valuation of your estate assets, payment of debts, and the eventual distribution of remaining assets to heirs and/or beneficiaries of your estate. Not all assets, however, go through probate. Understanding which assets do go through probate and which assets bypass is crucial when creating or updating your estate plan. With that … [Read more...] about What Assets Bypass Probate?

Whether you are an Executor, a beneficiary, or another interested party in an estate, navigating probate in Indiana requires an understanding of the basic steps involved. Probate laws and procedures guide the administration of a decedent’s estate to ensure that debts are paid and assets are distributed according to the decedent’s Last Will and Testament or Indiana intestate succession laws if the decedent died intestate (without a Will). To help you navigate the process, the Indianapolis … [Read more...] about 7 Steps in the Indiana Probate Process

Accessing an inheritance can be a complex process, often initiated during a period of mourning and reflection following the passing of a loved one. In the middle of your grief, the practical steps required to obtain what has been left to you may eventually become a focal point. To help you better understand Indiana probate, the Indianapolis attorneys at Frank & Kraft explain what a beneficiary needs to know. What Is Indiana Probate? When an individual passes away, they leave behind an … [Read more...] about Indiana Probate: What a Beneficiary Needs to Know

When a loved one passes away, their estate is typically required to go through the legal process known as “probate.” Probate involves the administration of the decedent’s estate, ensuring debts are paid, and distributing assets to heirs. If you are in charge of probating an estate in Indiana, you may feel overwhelmed. To help get you started, the Indianapolis attorneys at Frank & Kraft offer eight steps to take when probating an Indiana estate. Step 1: Determine If Formal Probate Is … [Read more...] about 8 Steps to Take When Probating an Indiana Estate

Probate avoidance is a common estate planning goal – and with good reason. When an estate gets held up in probate it can cost the beneficiaries a considerable amount of time and money. Understanding why an estate might be held up in probate can be helpful when your goal is to avoid probate. With that in mind, the Indianapolis attorneys at Frank & Kraft discuss common causes for delays during the probate of an estate in Indiana. What Causes Probate Delays in Indiana? Probate delays in … [Read more...] about Common Causes for Delays during the Probate of an Estate in Indiana

Upon an individual's demise, their assets and property typically undergo the legal procedure called "probate." Because assets involved in probate are essentially frozen, those assets are often inaccessible to the intended beneficiaries until the probate process concludes. This can pose a challenge when the asset in question is a home. The Indianapolis attorneys at Frank & Kraft discuss what transpires with a residence during probate. Understanding Probate Probate is the legal mechanism … [Read more...] about What Transpires with a Residence during Probate?

When you consult with an estate planning attorney to create or update your estate plan, consider adding probate avoidance tools and strategies into your plan. While there are several important reasons to do what you can to allow your estate to avoid probate, the overall cost of formal probate should be enough of a reason to make probate avoidance one of your estate planning goals. To further elaborate, the Indianapolis attorneys at Frank & Kraft discuss how much it costs to probate an estate … [Read more...] about How Much Does It Cost to Probate an Estate in Indiana?

Many individuals primarily engage in estate planning to decide how their assets will be distributed after their passing. While that may be your main focus, you might also be concerned about the management of your debts, especially the potential for your adult children to inherit debts rather than assets. To help you better understand the situation, the Indianapolis attorneys at Frank & Kraft explain what happens to the debts you owe after you are gone. A Brief Lesson on Probate The … [Read more...] about What Happens to the Debts I Owe After I am Gone?