The probate process has many steps - and some of the terms can be confusing. Below is general information about the steps that might be involved in a typical probate case. Read on to learn more about probate.
Posted by Lori
Anyone who has had a close friend or relative pass away has probably heard of probate. Probate is the process by which the estate of the deceased is inventoried and distributed according to state laws.
Probate offers a solid legal framework with advantages for those who properly prepare prior to death and who retain skilled legal counsel. Important features of probate that are often overlooked include court oversight at every step, complete control of creditor claims, and the provision of a legal forum for complaints. Probate is a process, and qualified legal assistance gets you to the finish line more quickly, efficiently and economically.
To summarize the process, probate can be broken into six basic steps:
- Validation of the will
- Appoint executor
- Inventory estate
- Pay claims against the estate
- Pay estate taxes
- Distribute remaining assets
These steps each involve legal documentation and validation, and more importantly, proper accounting each step of the way.
Intestate
Each state has its own set of laws dealing with the procedure to be followed when an individual dies without a will.
Fees Executor or Administrator
In the case of individuals who have died intestate, the person playing the role of executor is often called the administrator or personal representative.
Probate Court
Probate begins and ends with the special probate court set up in each state to handle estate issues. All actions taken regarding the estate are accountable to this court and must be noted and reported regularly. This court is staffed by special judges qualified to oversee estate resolution issues.
The Probate Process
The probate process begins immediately after death. At this time, legal statutes go into effect mandating what must be done regarding any estate. One of the first things any potential executor should do upon the death of a loved one is to contact a qualified probate attorney.
First Steps
The attorney will take the first steps to initiate the probate process. Step one is the creation and filing with the court of a legal document known as an application for probate. Usually a hearing date is set, several weeks to several months from the date of the application. At this time, a notice must be sent out to all potential beneficiaries notifying them of this initial hearing. In addition, it is generally required that notice of death be published in a newspaper.
Initial Hearing
At the first hearing in probate court, the probate judge will appoint an executor, (generally a close relative unless otherwise specified) and ask if anyone is contesting the validity of the will or the competence of the executor. If there are no contests to the will or the executor, the court will issue Letters of Testamentary, affirming the validity of the will and the executor and giving the executor power to act. Once these letters are issued, the probate process is now started.
Challenging Wills and Executors
Validity
The most recent will is generally the one in force at the time of death, unless it can be shown that the writer was incompetent, under undue influence or duress, or the will was executed improperly.
Challenging Executors
Executors can be challenged and disqualified from executorship if they are:
- A convicted felon
- A minor under the age of 18
- Not a resident of the state in which probate takes place (In many states, the executor must reside in the state the will is being probated. Check local laws to see if this applies in your state)
- Otherwise physically or mentally incapacitated
Inventory
The next step in the probate process is an inventory of the estate. This inventory, defining fair market value for all items in the estate, must then be submitted to the court within a certain time period. The executor will generally be able to take care of valuing the items of lesser value, but assets such as homes, stocks, real estate, or valuable art and collections should be appraised and valued by professionals either appointed or certified by the court. These professional asset valuers appointed by the court are often known as probate referees or commissioners.
Claims
As part of the inventory process, liabilities, as well as assets, must be discovered and valued. The executor is responsible for sending out notices to creditors. This notice will state that a certain person has died and that any party with a claim against their estate should submit that claim to the probate court within a certain time period (Again, varying from state to state). Some states require these notices to creditors be published in a newspaper. As claims are submitted, the executor will accept or reject each claim. If it is accepted, it is paid out of the estate. If it is rejected, then both parties will come before a probate judge who will decide the validity of the claim. In extreme cases where a settlement is not reached in probate court, creditors can bring suit to collect their claim. Once all claims against the estate have been settled and the final inventory completed, the inventory is submitted to the probate court, where it is reviewed and affirmed by the probate judge.
Death and Taxes
After the inventory of the estate has been prepared and submitted to the court, all applicable tax forms must be completed and sent to the IRS, and estate taxes must be paid. The IRS requires the 706 tax form for estate taxes to be completed within nine months of death, unless an extension is granted. Also, a final 1040 must be completed for the deceased for the year of death, as well as 1041 forms for any trusts the deceased may have left behind. Contingent upon the final inventory of the estate and completion of the necessary tax forms, the taxes are paid out to the IRS. Once the IRS has received the estate taxes, they will issue a closing letter stating that all estate taxes have been paid. This can take as long as one to two years after death.
Final Accounting
After all claims and taxes are paid out, a final accounting is done to summarize the affairs of the estate for the court. This accounting includes the initial inventory, all earnings, sales, and bills and taxes paid. All payouts to heirs are itemized prior to payout, which takes place once the final accounting is approved by the court. Copies of this final accounting are sent to all beneficiaries, who must approve and sign off on this accounting. If there is a dispute about the accounting or the affairs of the estate, the beneficiaries may challenge the executor before the court.
The Last Round-Up
Once all beneficiaries have approved and signed off, the final accounting is submitted to the court for approval and certification. The court will then issue an order affirming compliance and ordering distribution. At this time, the heirs are paid out according to the orders contained in the will. If the deceased has died intestate, without a will, then the heirs are paid according to the laws of the state in which he or she passed away.
Distribution
All beneficiaries must sign and return the final accounting statements before the estate will send out a check to any beneficiary. It is important not to make any payments until the final closing letter is received from the IRS, as any changes in the taxes due can result in the need to reclaim money from beneficiaries to pay any estate taxes due, often a difficult task.
Conclusion
Although having a will is an important beginning step in estate planning, more preparation is essential to leave behind an easy transition for the family and others who will remain after death. In addition, there are other estate planning options that avoid probate. Living Trusts, for example, can be valuable tools in this process. Consult a qualified estate planning attorney to review the role of trusts and probate in any estate plan. The process of probate can be one with many advantages for the well-prepared individual. Engaging a qualified estate planning attorney with experience in probate issues will enable you to take the best pre-emptive steps to minimize taxes and legal wrangling for your executor, family, and associates.
About the Academy
This report reflects the opinion of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys. It is based on our understanding of national trends and procedures and is intended only as a simple overview of the basic estate planning issues. We recommend you do not base your own estate planning on the contents of this Academy Report alone. Review your estate planning goals with a qualified estate planning attorney.
The Academy is a national organization dedicated to promoting excellence in estate planning by providing its exclusive Membership of attorneys with up-to-date research on estate and tax planning, educational materials, and other important resources to empower them to provide superior estate planning services.
The Academy expects Members to have at least 36 hours of legal education each year specifically in estate, tax, probate and/or elder law subjects. To ensure this goal is met, the Academy provides over 40 hours of continuing legal education each year. The Academy has also been recognized as a consumer legal source by Money Magazine, Consumer Reports Money Adviser and Suze Orman in her book, 9 Steps to Financial Freedom.
