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Trillions of dollars will pass through probate over the next twenty years. Courts will see more files, banks will need more papers, and clerks will be busy for years.

Thinking about updating your will yourself? A simple change could lead to court. Learn why DIY edits often cause costly probate disputes.

Federal privacy law (the Stored Communications Act) and each company's own policy require either a written designation by the account holder or a court order naming a personal representative.

When a loved one can no longer make safe decisions about their health, finances, or daily life, families often turn to the probate court for help. The court's tools in that situation are guardianship and conservatorship — two related but distinct legal proceedings.

A beneficiary cannot simply demand that property be sold. But there are legal pathways to address problems when they arise. Understanding your rights—and the limits of those rights—is key to navigating probate successfully.

Serving as a PR is not just a title—it is a legal responsibility with real consequences. If that responsibility is not handled properly, the law provides tools to protect the estate and its beneficiaries.

A bond in probate is an insurance policy to cover the interests of the heirs and the creditors in case the personal representative mismanages the estate.

If an heir cannot be found, the Court may offer several solutions. However, it is still very likely to complicate the probate process.