These are legal documents issued by the court that authorize the executor (in the case of a will) or administrator (in the case of no will) to act on behalf of the
estate.

Yes, but the process can be more complex. The court may need to approve the sale, and the proceeds may go towards paying debts or beneficiaries.

Debts are typically paid from the deceased person’s estate. If the estate doesn’t have sufficient assets to cover the debts, they may go unpaid.

The estate may be subject to estate taxes. The executor is responsible for filing the necessary tax returns and ensuring any owed taxes are paid from estate assets.

In some cases, a will can be contested after probate, but there are strict time limits and legal standards. It becomes more challenging once the probate process is complete.

Creditors have a limited time to file claims against the estate to seek repayment of debts. The executor must review and approve or deny these claims.

Yes, an executor can be removed if they are not fulfilling their duties, are found to be unfit, or if there is evidence of misconduct. This usually requires a court hearing.

Some jurisdictions allow for simplified probate procedures, often through a small estate affidavit, for estates with assets below a certain threshold.

Yes, a minor can be named as a beneficiary, but a guardian or a custodian must be appointed to manage theminor’s inheritance until they reach the age of majority.

A probate attorney helps navigate the legal process, ensures proper documentation, represents the executor or administrator in court, and provides legal advice throughout the probate proceedings.

Joint bank accounts with rights of survivorship generally pass directly to the surviving account holder and do not go through probate.