2012 Featured News

Probate Court Records: The Way to Find Your Ancestors!

If you are curious about a deceased relative, and want to know more about his or her past, the probate court is a great place to start. The probate court keeps records about every person who passes ...
Continue reading "Probate Court Records: The Way to Find Your Ancestors!" »

Why You Shouldn’t Hide a Will

It makes an excellent movie screenplay: the elderly man hides his will and sends his children on a quest to retrieve it. The last words on his lips as he lies in bed are a clue. Then the search is ...
Continue reading "Why You Shouldn’t Hide a Will" »

The History of Probate in America

The probate court is a very important element of the American justice system. Ever since the early years of civilization, ancestors have perished, leaving their fortunes to younger heirs. In many ...
Continue reading "The History of Probate in America" »

The Many Duties of a Probate Court

Probate courts are bustling with activity, because so many cases take place in these court rooms. While many people associate probate with the estate distribution of a decedent, this is not the only ...
Continue reading "The Many Duties of a Probate Court" »

Probate Procedure: Fiduciaries and Filing the Final Account

When you are the recipient of an estate in a probate procedure, there is a lot of paperwork and court-related activities involved. The process, which normally takes a few months, culminates when the ...
Continue reading "Probate Procedure: Fiduciaries and Filing the Final Account" »

Choosing a Personal Guardian: An Important Step in Future Planning

If you are parent with children under 18, then you need to plan for their future. You will want to establish a stable home that your children would be safe in in the event that you cannot take care of ...
Continue reading "Choosing a Personal Guardian: An Important Step in Future Planning" »

Probate and Charitable Donations

When you pass away, the fate of your estate goes on the line. Your estate is everything you own, from your cars to your property to your life insurance and retirement plans. It includes everything ...
Continue reading "Probate and Charitable Donations" »

Pets and Probate: Boots’ Story

Boots, an 11-year-old black cat, almost lost her life last week when she was sentenced to death in her owner's will. The feline was property of an elderly woman who died at age 76. This lady left ...
Continue reading "Pets and Probate: Boots’ Story" »

Let’s Talk About Living Trusts

Planning ahead is always wise, especially when it involves the future of your estate. A living trust is a practical way to prepare for your passing and make sure your possessions are divided how you ...
Continue reading "Let’s Talk About Living Trusts" »

Celebrities and Probate: Amy Winehouse’s Estate

Last July, the America was shocked and saddened by the death of the famous singer Amy Winehouse. The 27-year-old passed away from an accidental alcohol poisoning in her home in London. When she passed ...
Continue reading "Celebrities and Probate: Amy Winehouse’s Estate" »

All About Tribal Probate

American Indians have a unique heritage within the United States. These tribes are loyal to their descendants and take great pride in their family relations. According to the 2004 Probate Reform Act, ...
Continue reading "All About Tribal Probate" »

Whitney Houston’s Daughter Inherits All

Whitney Houston's untimely death on February 11 th 2012 came as a shock to the world. Singers mourned the stars' passing at the Grammy's the following Sunday, and news stations quickly ...
Continue reading "Whitney Houston’s Daughter Inherits All" »

An Alternative to Probate: Death Deed Transfers

While probate is normally the best way to divide a decedent's estate, there are other ways to handle assets without going through this process. One option is called a death deed transfer. This ...
Continue reading "An Alternative to Probate: Death Deed Transfers" »

Probate and Mental Health Cases

When people think of probate, most often they associate the term with decedent's estates, trust proceedings, guardian proceedings, and more. Yet probate courts work with a variety of cases. One of ...
Continue reading "Probate and Mental Health Cases" »

Probate Judge and Lawyer? An Alabama Proposal

In Alabama, the government is currently considering a bill which would require all judges in the state to be licensed probate lawyers. The bill, sponsored by The Mobile Republican, the House Speaker ...
Continue reading "Probate Judge and Lawyer? An Alabama Proposal" »

Probate and Your Small Estate

If you are looking to probate a small estate, there is often a simple way to complete the task. Probate laws vary greatly from state to state, but most state governments have provided easier avenues ...
Continue reading "Probate and Your Small Estate" »

Probate Cases: Last Will and Testament

Have you made a Last Will and Testament in order to distribute your property fairly among your family? It is important to explore the possible options that a will can provide. It is also important to ...
Continue reading "Probate Cases: Last Will and Testament" »