Learn how probate validates a will, pays debts, and distributes assets to heirs. State intestacy laws apply when there is no ...

When you die, a section of law known as estate and probate law governs how your assets are distributed. Someone who dies (known as the “decedent”) with a legitimate will has set up what is known as a ...

Each state follows its own formula for distributing assets in the absence of a will. Surviving spouses and children may receive different proportions of the estate depending on jurisdiction, sometimes ...

Think estate planning can wait? Here’s the thing: putting off or delaying estate planning can leave your loved ones in a difficult position. Among the issues is passing away without a will, one of ...

Probate is the administrative process used to move official ownership of a deceased person’s possessions, known as assets, to other people. When someone dies having signed a valid will, the probate ...

Julia Kagan is a financial/consumer journalist and former senior editor, personal finance, of Investopedia. Marguerita is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor ...

South Dakota does not levy either an estate tax or an inheritance tax. However, there are other South Dakota inheritance laws of which residents should be aware, including rules governing intestate ...