What is the purpose of the probate procedure?
The probate procedure is the court procedure by which a will is proved to be valid or invalid. Creditors of the estate can file claims against the estate and receive payments of those claims. After the administration fees and creditor claims are paid, the assets of the estate are distributed. Probate estate assets are those in which title to the asset is in the deceased name alone. A probate will is needed to transfer the estate assets to a beneficiary.
Who pays for my attorney fees when I am Executor?
The Estate will pay the fees.
Do I get paid for being an Executor?
Yes, you receive a statutory amount called a commission which is payment for your time and services. Plus, you receive reimbursement for any expenses you have incurred. Even if you are a beneficiary, you receive your inheritance plus additional money as allowed by stature and the will.
Am I liable for the debts of the Estate or decedent?
No, you are not.
What are methods for preserving assets of the probate estate?
There are many ways to preserve probate estate assets. In association with an attorney and tax advisor, you can:
- Determine whether administration expenses and casualty losses should be reported on the estate tax return or on the estate’s income tax return.
- Consider whether there are income tax savings opportunities on the decedent’s final return (such as whether a joint return should be fielded with the surviving spouse).
- Consider whether assets should be valued at the date of the decedent’s death or six months later (or, if the assets have been distributed prior to six months after the decedent’s death, the date of the disposition of the assets).
Your attorney and tax adviser can offer more strategies and suggestions specific to your needs.
What is a will contest?
A will contest is legal action that challenges the validity of a will and/or the terms of the will. A will may be invalid if it was the result of forgery, undue influence, inadequate executive, or other issues. A later will may invalidate an earlier version.
What type of assets are typically non-probate assets?
Non-probate assets can be transferred without oversight by the probate court. Some examples of non-probate assets are proceeds from life insurance policies, an IRA account, a 401(k) account or any other taxed deferred retirement plan account with a named beneficiary.
What role does the executor play in the probate process?
The executor is responsible for initiating the probate proceeding, collecting and inventorying assets, collecting debts owed to the estate, distributing assets to the estate, and closing the estate. Because of the numerous details and technical requirements that must be satisfied, an attorney’s experience in probate and estate administration are often employed to guide the estate through the probate process. The executer is entitled to compensations for time and expense spent during the process.
What are the advantages of avoiding a probate proceeding?
The probate process can be slow and can often tie up property for several months.
Are there ways to avoid the probate process?
There are several methods to use to avoid the probate process. These methods include creating a joint ownership with right to survival in property such as real estate, automobiles, and other title property; making beneficiary designations on accounts such as payable-on-death (POD) accounts and transfer-on-death (TOD) accounts; and placing property in a Revocable Living Trust.
Gloria Petroni can help manage your property to avoid probate and to move property smoothly to your heirs after your death. We represent clients nationwide, if you are a fiduciary (executor, administrator, or trustee), an heir, or beneficiary of a Nevada estate. If the decedent died or has assets in Nevada, we can help you. If you are chosen to represent the estate or if you are receiving an inheritance from a Nevada estate, please contact our law firm today.
There are two types of Nevada Probate Estates
- The Decedent resided in Nevada at the time of death and their domicile is Nevada at the time of death; or
- If there are assets located in Nevada at the time of death, and an ancillary proceeding is needed. The Decedent may have died elsewhere.
At Petroni Law Group, our goal is to provide each and every client with an unobstructed view of all aspects of a case by aiding in informed decision-making and clear understanding of possible outcomes.
