PROBATE FRAUD
There are a number of shenanigans that can go on with wills and estates, and the administration thereof. Prior to the death of the testator (the person who made the will), there are instances of undue influence—when someone manipulates, coerces, or intimidates the testator to craft their will a certain way to reap the financial benefits. But fraud can rear its ugly head after the passing of the testator and at the beginning stages of probate—the method by which an...Read More
Assets Uncovered After the Estate has Closed
Sometimes, estate or trust administration appears to be all wrapped up, and the estate is officially closed or the trust is terminated. Then weeks, months, or years afterward, other assets are discovered. Now what? Generally speaking, guidelines to distributing assets discovered after an estate has been closed encompass the following: When someone dies intestate (without a will), state law determines the rightful heirs of the estate’s property. Newly discovered assets will be distributed by the same formula. If the decedent...Read More