Even if you die without a will or an executor for your will, someone still has to manage your estate. The person who assumes ...

Probate is a public process, which means details of the deceased's estate become public record. Probate is the process completed when a decedent leaves assets to distribute, such as bank accounts, ...

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Bob Carlson researches all facets of retirement finances. About 70% of U.S. adults don’t have a will or trust, according to ...

Sorry to pass the buck, but you should get a lawyer. While you can represent yourself in all sorts of court actions in the U.S., you almost always need a lawyer to represent you through probate, ...

Can You Settle an Estate Without Probate? In certain situations, it is possible to settle an estate without going through probate. Assets held in joint ownership, assets with named beneficiaries (such ...

Editor's note: The information in this column is not intended as legal advice but to provide a general understanding of the law. Any readers with legal problems, including those whose questions are ...