Steps in the Probate Process - Financial Security for All

Steps in the probate process include:

Petition for probate of the will or administration of the estate
Appointment of a personal representative
Notice to creditors
Assembly, inventory, and appraisal of property
Classification and payment of demands against the estate (such as debts of the decedent and liens against his or her property)
Determination of homestead rights and family allowances
Management (and sale, if necessary) of property
Payment of state and federal taxes
Accounting to the court and distribution of property

Next: A Personal Representative >>

Lesson Contents

I. Introduction

II. Estate Planning

III. Power of Attorney: Planning for Incapacity

IV. Property Transfer: Documents and Legal Arrangements

V. A Will: Who Needs One?

VI. The Probate Process

a. Steps in the Probate Process

VII. Personal Representative: To Carry Out Your Wishes

VIII. Gifting and Tax Strategies

IX. A Trust: Who Needs One?

X. How to Hire and Work with an Attorney

XI. Learn More

Glossary

Case Studies and Resources

Print this Lesson

Disclaimer

Acknowledgments

Prepare Your Estate Plan belongs to a series called Legally Secure Your Financial Future. The series also includes information to help you organize important household papers and to communicate your health-care wishes.