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The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Edq. Edq.yer is The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 What happens to bank account when someone dies without a will? The bank will freeze the account.. The bank will usually request to see a Grant of Probate before releasing any funds. This is because they are legally obligated to check if they are releasing money to the right person. Once the bank is satisfied with the Grant of Probate, they will release the funds. Lousy What Is An Estate is The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. Does The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. work in KensingtonYes, The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. in an Estate Planning attorney in Kensington. Who owns the property in a trust? Steve Bliss with The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. answers estate planning questions. What Is The Difference Between Will And Probate is What are the pros and cons of a living trust? It may help avoid probate. Property that is transferred through a living trust does not have to go through the probate process upon the death of the trust creator. There may be tax benefits. There is more privacy. There may be legal protections. What are the tax goals of estate planning? These goals often include minimizing estate tax liability, succession of the family business or farm, equitable distribution of property among family members, donation to one or more charities, and ensuring the financial security of a surviving spouse. Agricultural estate planning can be especially complex. What happens with bank accounts when someone dies? If you are waiting for a grant of probate, the bank may let you access money in the account to pay for expenses relating to the death such as the funeral or probate fees. As the executor, it is down to you to withdraw any money and distribute it to the beneficiaries according to the will. Who can be a trustee? Every person capable of holding property may be a trustee; but, where the trust involves the exercise of discretion, he cannot execute it unless he is competent to contract. Who manages a family trust? At the core of a family trust, there are three parties: a grantor, a trustee and the beneficiaries. The grantor is the person who makes the trust and transfers their assets into it. The trustee is the person who manages the assets in the trust on behalf of the beneficiaries. Does The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. work in OceansideYes, The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. in an Estate Planning attorney in Oceanside. What is the purpose of a probate? The role of the probate court is to make sure that a deceased person’s debts are paid and assets are allocated to the correct beneficiaries. The term probate is used to describe the legal process that manages the assets and liabilities left behind by a recently deceased person. Can A Bank Release Funds Without Probate is The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. (858) 278-2800 What are the four must have documents? Will.Revocable Trust.Financial Power of Attorney.Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare. What happens to bank account when someone dies without beneficiary? If a bank account has no joint owner or designated beneficiary, it will likely have to go through probate. The account funds will then be distributed—after all creditors of the estate are paid off—according to the terms of the will. What is estate planning and why is it important? Steve Bliss with The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. answers estate planning questions. Who pays for a funeral if there is no will? The people named in the deceased’s will as their executors (or, if the deceased didn’t make a will, their nearest relatives) are primarily responsible for arranging their funeral. What Does Probate Mean When Someone Dies is The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. (858) 278-2800 Can a trustee draw salary? According to the Indian Trusts Act, a trustee has no right to get a salary unless a provision for such salary has laid down in the instrument (Deed) of the trust. Magical Estate Attorneys Near Me is The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 What assets are subject to probate? Real estate, vehicles, and other titled assets owned solely by the deceased person or as a tenant in common with someone else. Tenants in common don’t have survivorship rights. Personal possessions. Household items go through probate, along with clothing, jewelry, and collections. Good Estate Lawyers Near Me is ( +1 (858) 278-2800 ) Is a handwritten will legal? Self-written wills are typically valid, even when handwritten, as long as they’re properly witnessed and signed or proven in court. A handwritten will that is not witnessed is considered a holographic will. Not all states accept holographic wills.
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Estate Lawyer 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd a202, San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 278-2800 |
Estate Attorney 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd a202, San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 278-2800 |
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Probate Attorney 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd a202, San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 278-2800 |
Estate Attorney 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd a202, San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 278-2800 |
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What is the difference between a trust fund and a trust account? The difference between a Trust and a Trust Fund is small but important when it comes to understanding Estate Planning. A Trust is an agreement used to specify how certain assets will be managed and distributed. A Trust Fund is the legal entity those assets are placed into when the Trust is created. Can an executor of a will be a beneficiary? It is a common misconception that an executor can not be a beneficiary of a will. An executor can be a beneficiary but it is important to ensure that he/she does not witness your will otherwise he/she will not be entitled to receive his/her legacy under the terms of the will. What happens if a house is left in trust? If you’re left property in a trust, you are called the ‘beneficiary’. The ‘trustee’ is the legal owner of the property. They are legally bound to deal with the property as set out by the deceased in their will. Confused How Long Is 2022 Probate is The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. Can a grown child collect parents Social Security? How much can a family get? Within a family, a child can receive up to half of the parent’s full retirement or disability benefits. If a child receives survivors benefits, they can get up to 75% of the deceased parent’s basic Social Security benefit. Can an executor of a will be a beneficiary? It is a common misconception that an executor can not be a beneficiary of a will. An executor can be a beneficiary but it is important to ensure that he/she does not witness your will otherwise he/she will not be entitled to receive his/her legacy under the terms of the will. Best Probate Attorney Near Me is Do I need a living will if I am married? A will is a legal document that dictates the distribution of assets when you die. If you die without a will, state law governs. You definitely need a will if you are married, have kids, or have a lot of assets. You may not need a will if you are young, single, childless, and broke. Can you put 401k in trust? In short, YES, you can designate a trust as the future beneficiary of your 401(k) retirement account. Leaving your inheritance in a trust allows you to control where and how your assets are divided up after your death. Do you have to pay taxes on money received as a beneficiary? Beneficiaries generally don’t have to pay income tax on money or other property they inherit, with the common exception of money withdrawn from an inherited retirement account (IRA or 401(k) plan).. The good news for people who inherit money or other property is that they usually don’t have to pay income tax on it. Missing How Long Is 2022 Probate is The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. What happens when you inherit money from a trust? If you inherit from a simple trust, you must report and pay taxes on the money. By definition, anything you receive from a simple trust is income earned by it during that tax year.. Any portion of the money that derives from the trust’s capital gains is capital income, and this is taxable to the trust. Is probate easier with a will? Probate is always easier if you have a Will and/or Living Trust that clearly defines your wishes. These documents help most by naming your Beneficiaries and an Executor.. Creating a Will or Living Trust makes a difficult life-event just a little easier on your loved ones. What do you mean by executor? An Executor is the person who disposes of or oversees the settlement of the assets of the deceased person in accordance with the wishes of the deceased testator, as enumerated in the Will. Ideal Who distributes money from a trust? You see, the distribution of trust assets to beneficiaries happens when the Trustee, and if applicable, the Co-Trustee, meet all their fiduciary duty. Once the Trustee(s) meet the fiduciary duty, they can complete the trust fund payout. Can creditors go after beneficiaries? Heirs’ and Beneficiaries’ Debts Your creditors cannot take your inheritance directly. However, a creditor could sue you, demanding immediate payment. The outcomes of such lawsuits depend on the underlying facts and circumstances. The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123. Probate San Diego is The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 How do you transfer a house in case of death? However, in the case of death of a spouse, the property can only be transferred in two ways. One is through partition deed or settlement deed in case no will or testament is created by the deceased spouse. And second is through the will deed executed by the person before his/her last death. Willing What Is The Purpose Of A Probate is The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 Why is probate bad? Probate gets its bad reputation from the professional fees that are charged.. The duties of the executor and advisors go far beyond the probate process, including the filing and payment of any federal estate taxes or any state estate and inheritance taxes. Are trusts taxable? Trusts are subject to different taxation than ordinary investment accounts. Trust beneficiaries must pay taxes on income and other distributions that they receive from the trust, but not on returned principal. IRS forms K-1 and 1041 are required for filing tax returns that receive trust disbursements. How do you hide money from nursing homes? STEP 1: Give Monetary Gifts To Your Loved Ones Before You Get Sick. STEP 2: Hire An Attorney To Draft A “Life Estate” For Your Real Estate. STEP 3: Place Liquid Assets Into An Annuity. STEP 4: Transfer A Portion Of Your Monthly Income To Your Spouse. What is the downside of an irrevocable trust? The main downside to an irrevocable trust is simple: It’s not revocable or changeable. You no longer own the assets you’ve placed into the trust. In other words, if you place a million dollars in an irrevocable trust for your child and want to change your mind a few years later, you’re out of luck. Does The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. work in Rancho Santa FeYes, The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. in an Estate Planning attorney in Rancho Santa Fe.
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Probate Attorney 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 +18582782800 |
San Diego Probate Attorney 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 +18582782800 |
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The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 278-2800 |
The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 +18582782800 |
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Who in San Diego, CA. is a good living trust attorney? The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. can handle your living trust needs. What is the difference between a trust fund and a trust account? The difference between a Trust and a Trust Fund is small but important when it comes to understanding Estate Planning. A Trust is an agreement used to specify how certain assets will be managed and distributed. A Trust Fund is the legal entity those assets are placed into when the Trust is created. What Happens To Bank Account When Someone Dies Without Beneficiary is The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. ( +18582782800 ) How long does it take for a trust to be distributed after death? Most Trusts take 12 months to 18 months to settle and distribute assets to the beneficiaries and heirs. Nice What Is The Purpose Of A Pour Over Will is The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. ( +18582782800 ) What assets are subject to probate? Real estate, vehicles, and other titled assets owned solely by the deceased person or as a tenant in common with someone else. Tenants in common don’t have survivorship rights. Personal possessions. Household items go through probate, along with clothing, jewelry, and collections. Top Does The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. work in CortezYes, The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. in an Estate Planning attorney in Cortez. What is the estate tax exemption for 2021? 2021 Estate Tax Exemption For people who pass away in 2021, the exemption amount will be $11.7 million (it’s $11.58 million for 2020). For a married couple, that comes to a combined exemption of $23.4 million. The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123. Can an executor take everything? No. An executor of a will cannot take everything unless they are the will’s sole beneficiary.. However, the executor cannot modify the terms of the will. As a fiduciary, the executor has a legal duty to act in the beneficiaries and estate’s best interests and distribute the assets according to the will. Does a trust require a bank account? A trust is a legal agreement under which a trustee manages assets provided by the grantor for trust beneficiaries.. The trust checking account must be kept separate from any of the trustee’s own accounts to ensure that trust money is kept separate from the trustee’s personal funds. What happens to a living trust after death? A living trust becomes irrevocable upon the death or incapacity of the last of the original trust creators. The trustee distributes assets to beneficiaries according to the decedents’ instructions without having to go to court and without court supervision. Are there different forms of trust? The four main types are living, testamentary, revocable and irrevocable trusts. How long can a house stay in a trust after death? A trust can remain open for up to 21 years after the death of anyone living at the time the trust is created, but most trusts end when the trustor dies and the assets are distributed immediately. Does The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. work in Rancho PenasquitosYes, The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. in an Estate Planning attorney in Rancho Penasquitos. Can you put a vehicle in a trust? Cars and other vehicles (motorhomes, boats, motorcycles, etc.) each have a title and require your signature to transfer the vehicle to another person.. You should put your vehicles into your trust in order to avoid probate. Only those assets held by the trust will avoid probate. Should bank accounts be included in a living trust? Steve Bliss with The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. answers estate planning questions. Probate Real Estate is Will writing and estate planning? Many people believe that estate planning and writing a Will are the same thing. However, although Will writing is an important aspect of estate planning, the process involves much more. Estate planning goes further than Will writing to clarify your wishes about your finances, health, care, and more. The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. is a San Diego Estate Planning Attorney. Does The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. work in CortezYes, The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. in an Estate Planning attorney in Cortez. Attorney Near Me is The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. (858) 278-2800 Do all wills go to probate? No, all Wills do not go through probate. Most Wills do, but there are several circumstances where a Will could circumvent the entire process. Some property and assets can avoid probate, and while the actual rules may vary depending on the state you live in, some things may be universal.
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Probate Attorney 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 +18582782800 |
San Diego Probate Attorney 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 +18582782800 |
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The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 278-2800 |
The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 +18582782800 |
Vibrant Probate Attorneys
How do you transfer a house in case of death? However, in the case of death of a spouse, the property can only be transferred in two ways. One is through partition deed or settlement deed in case no will or testament is created by the deceased spouse. And second is through the will deed executed by the person before his/her last death. Does The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. work in CortezYes, The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. in an Estate Planning attorney in Cortez. Does The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. work in SantaluzYes, The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. in an Estate Planning attorney in Santaluz. Do trusts avoid estate taxes? When set up properly, trusts can either greatly reduce how much of an estate is taxed at the 40-percent rate or eliminate the estate tax burden altogether.. For the purposes of reducing your estate, trusts are effective because they take assets out of your name and put them in the name of the trust. Do trust funds get taxed? Trusts are subject to different taxation than ordinary investment accounts. Trust beneficiaries must pay taxes on income and other distributions that they receive from the trust, but not on returned principal. IRS forms K-1 and 1041 are required for filing tax returns that receive trust disbursements. Do I need a will if I have a trust? If you make a living trust, you might well think that you don’t need to also make a will. After all, a living trust basically serves the same purpose as a will: it’s a legal document in which you leave your property to whomever you choose.. But even if you make a living trust, you should make a will as well. Interesting Attorney Near Me is The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. How much does an executor of a will get paid? How much can an Executor receive? There is no scale set under the PAA about how much commission an Executor can receive and each application for commission will be determined by the matters presented to the Court. However, as a general rule, a 1% to 2% commission on the value of assets is usually granted. How do you hide money from nursing homes? STEP 1: Give Monetary Gifts To Your Loved Ones Before You Get Sick. STEP 2: Hire An Attorney To Draft A “Life Estate” For Your Real Estate. STEP 3: Place Liquid Assets Into An Annuity. STEP 4: Transfer A Portion Of Your Monthly Income To Your Spouse. Does a will have to be notarized? A will doesn’t have to be notarized to be valid. But in most states, you’ll want to add a “self-proving affidavit” to your will, which must be signed by your witnesses and notarized. Are bank accounts considered residuary estate? Similarly, any assets that are meant to transfer directly to a beneficiary after you die, like a life insurance payout or a payable-on-death bank account, can become part of the residuary estate when there are no named beneficiaries. Powerful What Is The Purpose Of A Pour Over Will is The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. Does The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. work in TierrasantaYes, The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. in an Estate Planning attorney in Tierrasanta. Can a beneficiary of a trust also be a trustee? The simple answer is yes, a Trustee can also be a Trust beneficiary.. Nearly every revocable, living Trust created in California starts with the settlor naming themselves as Trustee and beneficiary. Many times a child of the Trust settlor will be named Trustee, and also as a Trust beneficiary. Does The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. work in OceansideYes, The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. in an Estate Planning attorney in Oceanside. Can I give someone a million dollars tax-free? Gift and Estate Taxes That means that in 2019 you can bequeath up to $5 million dollars to friends or relatives and an additional $5 million to your spouse tax-free. In 2021, the federal gift tax and estate tax will be combined for a total exclusion of $5 million. How many house values are needed for probate? You can also ask estate agents to value the property, and if you take this approach, get two or three valuations and take the average price. The value you submit and any calculations you make must be justifiable should you be asked by the District Valuer. Does The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. work in CoronadoYes, The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. in an Estate Planning attorney in Coronado. Should I put my house in a trust or LLC? LLCs are better at protecting business assets from creditors and legal liability. Trusts can handle many types of assets and are better at avoiding probate and reducing estate taxes. In some cases, both an LLC and a trust may be the best way to manage the estate. What are the four must have documents? Will.Revocable Trust.Financial Power of Attorney.Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare. What assets are part of an estate? An estate is the economic valuation of all the investments, assets, and interests of an individual. The estate includes a person’s belongings, physical and intangible assets, land and real estate, investments, collectibles, and furnishings. Estate Attorney Near Me is What assets should not be in a trust? Qualified retirement accounts – 401ks, IRAs, 403(b)s, qualified annuities.Health saving accounts (HSAs)Medical saving accounts (MSAs)Uniform Transfers to Minors (UTMAs)Uniform Gifts to Minors (UGMAs)Life insurance.Motor vehicles. What happens to property when someone dies without relatives? If no relatives can be found, the entire estate goes to the state. Usually, only spouses, registered domestic partners, and blood relatives can inherit under intestate laws. Unmarried partners, friends, and charities get nothing. How long can a house stay in a trust after death? A trust can remain open for up to 21 years after the death of anyone living at the time the trust is created, but most trusts end when the trustor dies and the assets are distributed immediately. Beautiful Estate Attorney San Diego is The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. How many copies of a will should be signed? There should only be one original of the will for everyone to sign. It is a good idea to sign the original in blue ink, so that it is easily distinguishable from the photocopies. Do not sign any photocopies, as this will create duplicate originals which can be difficult to administer. Should bank accounts be included in a living trust? Trusts and Bank Accounts You might have a checking account, savings account and a certificate of deposit. You can put any or all of these into a living trust. However, this isn’t necessary to avoid probate. Instead, you can name a payable-on-death beneficiary for bank accounts.
Genuine Estate Settlement
Bad Why everyone needs an estate plan? There are generally two main reasons why people put together an estate plan to protect their beneficiaries: To protect minor beneficiaries, or to protect adult beneficiaries from bad decisions, outside influences, creditor problems, and divorcing spouses. How many beneficiaries can a trust have? A trust isn’t restricted to one beneficiary. It can have as many beneficiaries as the trustor wishes, and the beneficiaries can have different levels of claim on the trust. The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. ( +1 (858) 278-2800 ). Friendly Revocable Living Trust Attorney is The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. Do you need both a will and a living trust? Steve Bliss with The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. answers estate planning questions. How long after a death do you have to apply for probate? You’ll likely need to apply for probate within six months of the death of the person whose estate you’re dealing with. Why? There’s no time limit when you can apply for probate after someone has died. Bad Estate Lawyer Near Me is The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. When should you get an irrevocable trust? The only three times you might want to consider creating an irrevocable trust is when you want to (1) minimize estate taxes, (2) become eligible for government programs, or (3) protect your assets from your creditors. If none of these applies, you should not have one. Can you have an estate and still be alive? Transferring a home over to your loved ones while you’re still alive can be done in several ways. You could continue to own the home and pay tax on it while having your heirs live in it, whilst preparing the transfer of ownership of the home to them through a living trust or a will and testament. Do I need a will or an estate plan? Steve Bliss with The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. answers estate planning questions. Can I put my house in a trust? When you put your house in a Trust, you save your loved ones the time, headache, and cost of the Probate process. When you put your house in a Living Trust, you take on the role of what is called the Settlor, Grantor, or Trustor, depending on your state. Trusts can change as your life, assets, and relationships do. Why would someone want an irrevocable trust? Irrevocable trusts can have many applications in planning for the preservation and distribution of an estate, including: To take advantage of the estate tax exemption and remove taxable assets from the estate.. To prevent beneficiaries from misusing assets, the grantor can set conditions for distribution. Does The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. work in Torrey HighlandsYes, The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. in an Estate Planning attorney in Torrey Highlands. How many copies of a will do I need for probate? How many copies of the grant of probate do you need? It’s a really good idea to have three to six sealed copies of the grant of probate if you’re settling the estate. That way, you can send copies to a few different organisations at once and still have one at home for safe keeping. Stunning Probate Real Estate is ( +1 (858) 278-2800 ) What’s the difference between a trust and a living trust? There is no difference between a trust and a living trust.. The person who manages the assets of a trust is called a trustee, who manages the assets based on the terms of the trust document. In estate planning, living trusts, also known as an intervivos trust, is the most common type of trust. Best Estate Attorney is The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. ( +1 (858) 278-2800 ) Can a bank release funds without probate? Banks should (and do) have processes in place for releasing funds without a Grant, such as requiring copies of the death certificate, a certified copy of the will, or sight of the executor’s ID. However, this is by no means foolproof. Another concern is the relaxed approach banks seem to take with solicitor firms. Worthless How much can you inherit without paying taxes in 2021? The federal estate tax exemption for 2021 is $11.7 million. The estate tax exemption is adjusted for inflation every year. The size of the estate tax exemption means very few (fewer than 1%) of estates are affected. The current exemption, doubled under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, is set to expire in 2026. Are bank accounts considered residuary estate? Similarly, any assets that are meant to transfer directly to a beneficiary after you die, like a life insurance payout or a payable-on-death bank account, can become part of the residuary estate when there are no named beneficiaries. The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123. Revocable Living Trust Attorney is Is estate planning the same as a will? An estate plan is a comprehensive plan that includes documents that are effective during your lifetime as well as other documents that aren’t in effect until your death.. A will details where you want your assets to go at your death, and who you would like to serve as guardian of your minor children. Do you always have to apply for probate when someone dies? Probate. If you are named in someone’s will as an executor, you may have to apply for probate. This is a legal document which gives you the authority to share out the estate of the person who has died according to the instructions in the will. You do not always need probate to be able to deal with the estate. Who keeps the original copy of a will? Most estate planning attorneys take on the responsibility of holding their clients’ original wills and other documents. They do this for two reasons. First, they are often better equipped to keep the originals safe where they can be found when needed. Nice Probate Properties is The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. How many copies of a will should be signed? There should only be one original of the will for everyone to sign. It is a good idea to sign the original in blue ink, so that it is easily distinguishable from the photocopies. Do not sign any photocopies, as this will create duplicate originals which can be difficult to administer. What exactly is probate? Probate is a legal process that is sometimes required to validate a deceased person’s will in order for their wishes to be carried out by an executor named in the will. The executor is the person responsible for administering the deceased person’s estate, ensuring debts are paid and remaining assets are distributed.