Probate

When a family member passes away, the time period that follows is one filled with grief and a variety of other strong emotions. There are also a number of practical and legal steps that must be taken following a death. Among the most important of those is probating the decedent’s estate which begins with submitting the decedent’s Last Will and Testament to the appropriate court. The terms of that Will provide a roadmap for the distribution of the decedent’s assets. What happens, however, if … [Read more...] about What Happens If Someone Contests a Will?

When a loved one passes away, the survivors go through a period of mourning that is typically marked by grief and other strong emotions. For one person, however, the mourning process must give way to the legalities of the decedent’s death. Whoever was appointed as the Executor in the decedent’s Last Will and Testament must find a way to focus on the administration of the decedent’s estate, a process referred to as “probate.” If you find yourself the Executor of the estate of a recently deceased … [Read more...] about Carmel Probate Steps for the Beginner

When a spouse passes away, the legal steps that must be taken afterward can be exhausting in light of the grief you are also experiencing. In a perfect world, the decedent’s Last Will and Testament is submitted to the court for probate and his/her assets are eventually distributed to the beneficiaries named in that Will.  What happens though, if you entered into a prenuptial agreement with your spouse prior to your marriage and the terms of that agreement now clash with the terms of the … [Read more...] about What Happens If a Prenuptial Agreement Clashes with a Will?

When a family member or close friend passes away it is usually difficult for surviving loved ones to see past their grief. Someone, however, must focus on the practical and legal ramifications that accompany death. If you recently lost someone close to you and you find yourself contemplating those practical and legal ramifications, one of the first of them will undoubtedly involve the potential need to probate the estate. More specifically, you will need to know if probate is necessary in … [Read more...] about Is Probate Necessary in Indiana?

The period of time following the loss of a spouse can be agonizing. There is simply no way to truly prepare for such a loss, even if your spouse’s death was foreseen due to injuries or illness.  If the death was sudden and unexpected it can be even harder to accept. As a surviving spouse, the last thing you probably want to focus on is the legal ramifications of your spouse’s death; however, someone will need to begin the probate of your spouse’s estate as soon as possible. Given the fact … [Read more...] about Is Probate Necessary When a Spouse Dies in Indiana?

Indianapolis probate needs to take place after most deaths. If you are planning ahead for what happens after you pass away, you need to know about Indianapolis probate. If your loved one has died, you also need to know about the probate process so you are fully prepared for what you can expect after the death has occurred.  Frank & Kraft can help. We know the ins-and-outs of probate law and we can provide representation during the estate planning process to help you … [Read more...] about Fast Facts About Indianapolis Probate

The Carmel probate process takes place after most deaths. However, there are circumstance where probate could be avoided if the deceased made plans in advance so probate would not be necessary. There are many reasons why you might wish to make these plans so your heirs or beneficiaries can avoid probate. And, if you stand to inherit, there are also many reasons why you would likely prefer to avoid probate if you do not have to go through this process.  Frank & Kraft can provide … [Read more...] about Why Would You Want to Avoid Carmel Probate?

A simple probate avoidance trust is a trust that an elder law attorney can help you to create so you are able to facilitate the transfer of your assets outside of the probate process. Many people could benefit from the creation of this type of trust, so don't assume that a trust won't help you unless you have a ton of wealth to pass down to heirs or beneficiaries. Frank & Kraft can provide you with guidance on whether a simple probate avoidance trust would be a useful tool … [Read more...] about Benefits of a Simple Probate Avoidance Trust

Indianapolis probate attorneys can help to make the probate process when someone has passed away and assets must be transferred in probate court. The probate process can be time consuming and costly, and many people find it to be stressful. This is why so many people make an estate plan to try to avoid the probate process so their heirs or beneficiaries can inherit more quickly outside of court. Unfortunately, if your loved one has passed and plans have not been … [Read more...] about Who Should Have a Probate Lawyer

Carmel probate lawyers can provide help facilitating the transfer of assets during the probate process. As Investopedia explains, this process can be a lengthy and expensive one. An executor of an estate has many responsibilities during the probate process and heirs or beneficiaries also need to make sure that they are monitoring the process careful and that the executor is living up to his fiduciary duty. Both the executor and those who stand to inherit should have … [Read more...] about Top Reasons Trust Administration is Better Than Probate