When someone dies, their bank accounts do not always have to go through probate before the money becomes accessible. Many accounts pass directly to a named beneficiary through tools like ...

A probate letter, or a letter of testamentary, is a crucial legal document used by an executor to display their authority to manage a deceased person's estate, granted by the probate court which ...

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 ...

Dealing with the estate of someone who has died – the process known as ‘probate’ – can be a daunting and challenging task. Probate typically takes around three to four months to complete, although ...