There are estate planning methods that can be used to help keep property out of probate court, for example. Depending upon the techniques used for protecting an asset from probate, there may be other legal concerns to take into account. If you have questions about your estate plan or about avoiding probate, contact an estate planning attorney for straightforward solutions that will work for you.
New Jersey Probate Attorneys
If you need an attorney for the probate of an estate, trust litigation or a will contest, the experienced probate attorneys at Byrnes Kirkwood can help. If you need to speak with an attorney about the probate of an estate or probate litigation, contact Byrnes Kirkwood in Red Bank, New Jersey.
Our attorneys, Sean F. Byrnes and Christopher Kirkwood, have more than 40 years of combined legal experience. We offer comprehensive probate services. To speak with an attorney at our firm, call 732-219-7711, or contact us by e-mail.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Probate and Estate Administration
Q: What is probate?
A: Probate is the court procedure by which a will is proved to be valid or invalid. Creditors of the estate are provided the opportunity to file claims against the estate and receive payment of those claims. After the administration fees, taxes and creditor claims are paid, any remaining assets of the estate are distributed to the beneficiaries.
Q: What is a will contest?
A: A will contest is a legal action that challenges the validity of a will and/or the terms of the will. A will may be invalid if it was the result of forgery, undue influence, inadequate execution, or other issues. A later will may invalidate an earlier version.
Q: What type of assets are typically non-probate assets?
A: Non-probate assets can be transferred without oversight by the probate court. Some examples of non-probate assets are proceeds from life insurance policies, an IRA account, a 401(k) account or any other taxed deferred retirement plan account with a named beneficiary.
Q: What role does the executor play in the probate process?
A: The executor is responsible for initiating the probate proceeding, collecting and inventorying assets, paying debts owed by the estate, filing and paying taxes, distributing assets to the beneficiaries, and closing the estate. Because of the numerous details and technical requirements that must be satisfied, attorneys experienced in probate and estate administration are often employed to guide the executor through the probate process. The executor is entitled to compensation for time and expenses spent during the process.
Q: Are their ways to avoid the probate process?
A: There are several methods to use to avoid the probate process. These methods include creating a joint ownership with right to survival in property such as real estate, automobiles and other titled property; making beneficiary designations on accounts such as payable-on-death (POD) bank accounts and transfer-on-death (TOD) securities; and placing property in a revocable living trust. Your attorney can help you manage your property to avoid probate and to transfer property smoothly to your beneficiaries after your death.
Q: What are the advantages of avoiding a probate proceeding?
A: The probate process can be slow and can tie up property any where from several months to several years. In addition, it can be costly since attorney fees, executor fees and court fees are paid out of the estate.
Q: What happens to my property if I don't have a will?
A: Every state has a set of default rules that determine how property will be distributed in the absence of a valid will (known as intestacy). If someone dies intestate, the property generally is distributed to a surviving spouse or domestic partner, children, parents, and other close relatives.
Q: What is a revocable living trust?
A: A revocable living trust is a type of trust that takes effect during the testator's life and can be changed or terminated at any time with the property returning to the testator. The testator also can retain control over the property in the trust by naming themselves as the trustee and naming a successor trustee to take over trust administration at the testator's death. These trusts are often used as a means to avoid probate because the title of property is transferred to the trust and is not considered property of the testator at his or her death, thus making the property unavailable for probate.
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