The first is who will be the representative of the estate. If there is a will, the representative is the executor named in the will. You have descendants that do not belong to your spouse or life partner (through blood or adoption), let`s say Frank has $500,000 in co-ownership, a $300,000 bank account for which a beneficiary has been named, a $100,000 life insurance policy, $50,000 in assets under a living trust, and a self-driving car worth $20,000. At first glance, one might assume that Frank`s estate is estimated at $970,000 and is therefore subject to the estate. But since the car is his only estate asset, his estate would likely be able to avoid probate in most states. WHY DO I NEED A WILL? The main reason you need a will is that you can decide who will receive your property after your death. If you have a spouse and children, this can be very important because the law may not distribute your property the way you want. If you have a child, you can appoint a guardian in your will that you want to take care of your child in case your spouse can`t. You can also create a trust to take care of your child`s financial needs after your death. Important: These are just some of the steps you need to follow. Make sure you do everything you need as an estate representative to take care of the estate and make sure it is distributed properly. Estate probation is the legal process of settling a parent`s debts and distributing the estate`s assets. The process depends on several factors, including whether your parent had a will when they died.

An estate represents only your parent`s interest in the property they owned at the time of their death. In the case of co-ownership, the estate has only the share or interest to which your parent was entitled to the property. The co-owners retain their interest in the property. No specific format is required for a will to be considered valid. The following graph explains the legal distribution according to section 4-1.1 of the EPTL down to nieces and nephews. Assets that fall into the category of roommates are also subject to succession. This is when two or more people own a specific part of a single asset. Any of the assets listed above can be considered a shared ownership tenant if created in this way. For example, if you own 50% of a roommate`s asset, you can designate a beneficiary in your will for your share of that asset. Don`t worry, below we`ll delve deeper into the differences between shared tenants and shared tenants with survivor rights. Any asset you name in your living trust can avoid probate unless you have a trust in your will (called a testamentary trust). If this is the case, your will must go through a probate process before the trust comes into effect.

To avoid this, you should update your living trust regularly when you acquire new properties or other important assets. Prioritizing your estate planning early will help alleviate the stress your family and loved ones face when dealing with your affairs after your death. If you do not arrange in advance, your estate may be subject to a extensive probate procedure that might otherwise have been avoided. Partly in response to the stagnation of wealth movement resulting from inheritance, most governments require those eligible for inheritance to pay an inheritance tax (inheritance tax) on inheritance. This tax can be very high, sometimes the beneficiary has to sell part of the inherited assets to pay the tax bill. The executor or administrator receives a commission and repays the money they spent out of pocket to complete the estate process. The person`s estate is now closed. Gifts are given to anyone listed as a gift in the person`s will. The certification process is complete.

IF I MAKE A WILL, CAN I COMPLETELY DISINHERIT MY SPOUSE? No. New York law protects the surviving spouse from this. When a testator leaves a will with a surviving spouse, the law provides an option for that spouse. The surviving spouse has the option of “voting against the will” and thereby claiming $50,000.00 or one-third of the estate, whichever is greater under section 5.1 of the LTPA. Death of a person without a will: The person responsible for settling the estate and administering probate proceedings in a situation where the deceased person dies without a will is called an “administrator”. Any heir of the deceased person may apply to be appointed administrator of the estate of the deceased person. W. Va.

Code § 44-1-4. There is a mandatory preference for the surviving spouse of the deceased. W. Va. Code § 44-1-4. Once you have submitted the valuation inventory and not contested, the estate will be referred to a trustee, a person who oversees the rest of the probate process. In most counties, a trustee commissioner is appointed by the county commission to oversee the probate process. In other counties, a trustee is appointed by the district commission to oversee the probate process. W. Va. Code §§ 44-3-1; 44-3A-3. In states of common property, the spouse is entitled to half of the total matrimonial property in the event of divorce or death.

For example, if your uncle was married and lived in a state belonging to the community and had an interest in a sailboat with one of his friends, he could pass on half of his interest in the boat to you, while the other half of his interest went directly to his wife. In short, yes. Household items must go through the probate process as they are considered assets of the estate without explicit or individual titles. These assets (furniture, clothing, collections, works of art, jewelry, etc.) usually have little monetary value, but can have serious sentimental value. In most cases, the executor will distribute these assets accordingly. However, if there is a particular household item that a person considers extremely important, it can be listed in their living trust, thus avoiding an estate. FINALLY: If, pursuant to a provision of this will, my estate transfers all or part of my estate the absolute ownership of a minor or minor (or if, upon termination of a trust established by this will or part of the capital of such a trust, transfers absolute ownership of a minor or minor), I authorize my executor/executor (or trustee), to keep the same without obligation and at its sole discretion and without the authorization of a court: Witnesses – In New York, at least two witnesses must be present when the testator makes or executes (signs) the will. Do you or a loved one need more information about the estate process? Learn more from the experts at EZ-Probate. They provide as much guidance as you need, whether it`s providing ready-to-sign documents or holding your hand fully every step of the way. Ready to get started? Make an appointment for your free consultation.

A living will indicates a person`s intention and desires regarding their medical treatment, while a health care representative provides that a “designated decision-maker” does so for a person if they are unable to do so themselves. These documents are usually signed together and in conjunction with each other. A living will and power of attorney for health care do not need to be signed with the help of a lawyer. .