Written by Will Ashburn
What Happens to an HSA When You Die?
While a Health Savings Account can be a helpful investment tool, it’s important to consider where HSA funds will go when the account owner passes away.
Understanding Intestate Succession
Intestate succession, or the distribution of assets when a person dies without a will, can add a layer of complication and stress to the probate process.
Connecting with the Next Generation
As an advisor, are you prepared to advise clients through generational wealth transfers? Invest a few minutes to learn a few easy but valuable tips to connect with the next generation and help establish you as a trusted advisor.
“Stepping it up” on Probate for Wealth Advisors
Navigating estate settlement, which often also includes probate, can be an unfamiliar and intimidating process for unprepared wealth advisors. In this 1st part of a 3 part series, we break down steps for getting up to speed, review helpful resources and share tips for finding your unique role in assisting your clients.
3 Valuable Tips for Settling a Family Member’s Estate
As a professional that has spent my 30-year career servicing the fiduciary industry, here are 3 tips (lessons learned) that a future executors can take action on ahead of time to result in a swifter and smoother probate process.
Letters Testamentary vs. Letters of Administration: Key Differences
While letters testamentary and letters of administration are often used interchangeably, they are not the same thing.
What to Do When an Estate Is Insolvent (Not Enough Money)
An estate not being able to pay all of its debts, taxes, or inheritance to beneficiaries means it is insolvent. And when this happens, there’s an order to things.
How to Probate a Will Without a Lawyer: 7 Short Steps
Most estates don’t need a lawyer, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t useful or necessary in many estate settlement situations.
Can an Executor Sign Checks for the Deceased?
As the executor? Nope. On behalf of the executor, or the estate? Sometimes. Here's a guide for whether executors can sign checks for the deceased, including all the best tips and alternatives.
20 Key Duties of an Executor (Checklist)
While there are hundreds of individual steps an executor has to take during probate and estate settlement, they can be boiled down to 20 key duties.
What If the Will is in a Safe Deposit Box?
You've looked everywhere and think the will may be in the safe deposit box. What in the world do you do now?
Who Needs Death Certificates When Someone Dies? Exact Number to Get
One of the first things that happens after someone passes is the signing and delivery of a death certificate. But who needs them and how many should you get? Here's the answer.
How to Read a Will: Actual Walkthrough and Practical Advice
Knowing how to read a will is an important part of being an executor — otherwise you're flying blind! And they aren't that bad if you know what to look for.
What Happens to Debt After You Die? Who Pays for What and Why
Whether you’re serving as the executor of an estate or planning ahead in the event of your own passing, the implications of debt after death will affect your family. Let’s see how it works.
Codicil to a Will: How to Write One and Relevant Rules to Know
A codicil is a legal document that serves to change the will in some way. That change can take many different shapes, so a codicil is not a “one-size-fits all” document.
Types of Gifts in a Will: Examples and Advice
There are four main types of gifts in a will: specific gifts, general gifts, demonstrative gifts, and residuary gifts. Here's what you should know about each.
What Expenses Can an Executor Claim? List and Actionable Advice
Probate isn’t cheap. In fact, the probate and estate settlement process costs approximately $14K for the average estate. Thankfully, you won’t be paying the $14K out of your own pocket as the executor or executrix of the estate.
How Portability & DSUE for Estate and Gift Taxes Could Save You Millions (No, Really…)
There’s an often-overlooked estate tax tip that can allow certain individuals to shield millions—up to $12.06 million, to be precise—from federal gift and estate taxes. Seems too good to be true? It’s not.
What Happens & Who is Responsible if a Deceased Person Owes Taxes?
The short answer is that, excluding federal student loan debts, tax burdens don’t magically puff into a cloud of monetary magic and disappear — they are still owed by the “estate” of the deceased, which means you have to file a tax return on their behalf.
Does an Executor Have to Show Accounting to Beneficiaries? Answer & Expert Advice
The short answer is yes, an executor has to show accounting to beneficiaries if requested, but context is key here.
Per Stirpes vs. Per Capita in Wills & Estates — Context + Advice
Per Stirpes refers to when a deceased beneficiary's share is split between their heirs, and Per Capita refers to that split going to the remaining beneficiaries instead.
What if the Executor Does Not Probate the Will? Strategies to Avoid a Complete Mess
Not probating a will can bring a whole host of legal headaches, and it's best to appoint someone who will get the job done if you can't.
Can a Trustee Also Be a Beneficiary? Inheritance Thoughts
Yes, a trustee can also be a beneficiary, but that's far from the full story you need to know. Here's some good advice & a few resources.
Trustor vs. Trustee
A trustor is someone who creates a trust, and a trustee is the person in charge of following the trust's instructions. There's a bit more nuance than that, though.
How to Avoid Probate: Actual Answer + Insider Advice
Can you avoid probate? Should you avoid probate? We've got the insider answers & advice that you usually have to pay a lawyer for.
Executor vs. Trustee — Key Differences & Useful Context
Executor and trustees are often talked about in the same financial conversations, but what are the specific differences between the two?
How Much Does Probate Cost? Who Pays + How to Save
If probate takes over a year... how much does it all cost? Here's what you need to know.
What is the Reading of the Will? Hint: It's Fake
You’ve seen the Hollywood films. A wealthy billionaire passes away, leaving a fortune behind. The family gathers to read the will... but is it a real thing?
Testate vs. Intestate: Details on Inheritances, Laws, & More
Whether someone dies testate or intestate has huge implications on how inheritances and the probate process play out. Here's what you need to know.
How Long Does Probate Take? Timeline, Delays, and How to Shorten It
The short answer is anywhere from three weeks to several years, but as you'll see, it really depends.
What is a Special Needs Trust? Expert Advice & Explanation
A SNT is a financial planning tool that can be used to create a financial safe-haven for someone with mental or physical disabilities. Here's what you need to know.
What is a Will Contest? Key Facts, How to Contest, & More
A will contest is a legal proceeding that occurs when interested parties file a claim with the probate court to contest a will's validity.
How to Find Out If Someone Has a Will (Where to Look)
The process of finding out if someone has a will — often called a “will search”— is the crucial first step in the long probate process.
What Happens to a Bank Account When Someone Dies Without a Will? Exact Answers
How a bank account is set up determines what happens to it when someone dies without a will. Here's exactly what you need to know for your next step.
Can You Empty a House Before Probate? Rules & Considerations
Knowing if you can is one thing. Knowing if you should empty a house before probate is another. Here's how to think through it.
Power of Attorney vs. Executor of Estate — Key Differences
It's all too easy to get confused about the difference between power of attorney and executor of the estate. Here are the biggest differences you need to know.
How to Stop Mail for a Deceased Person in 4 Simple Steps
It can be frustrating and upsetting to continue to receive mail for a deceased person. Here are the steps you can take to keep this from happening.
How Long After Someone Dies Should You Have the Funeral?
Three days? A week? A month? The answer changes depending on a few factors. Here's how to plan a funeral for the right time.
What is an Estate Account? When, Why, and How to Open One
If you're named executor of an estate, you may need to establish an estate account. This might sound complicated, but once you understand the purpose of the account, it’s really not that bad.
Can the Executor of a Will Take Everything? Powers & Restrictions
Asking this question isn't optimistic, but it's important. Here are the powers an executor has.
What Do You Do With Someone’s Stuff After They Die?
Can you just get rid of things? Here are your options and the way to do it correctly.
The Beginner's Guide to Probate 💎
Probate is notoriously confusing. Small estate affidavits, formal vs. simple administration, executors & executrixes— there’s more than enough jargon to make your head spin. We get it, and that’s why we made a probate guide that actually tells you what you need to know without assuming anything. You’ll walk away with a tangible timeline, actionable next steps and real clarity on what probate actually means for you and your family.
Can a Trustee Remove a Beneficiary From a Trust? The Answer & More
Once a trust is established, who has what rights, responsibilities, and powers can get tricky. Beneficiaries and trustees can butt heads, and knowing more nuanced answers to questions like whether or not trustees can remove beneficiaries is useful.
What Next of Kin Means For Your Inheritance
"Next of kin" is one of those phrases that seems easy to understand, but it has a very specific legal meaning relevant to inheritance laws. Here's what you need to know.
Your Husband Passed Away — Here’s What You Need to Do Next
Losing a spouse or a partner often means losing the person that you relied on the most, and on top of that, you're dealing with all sorts of issues you've never had to consider before. Probate? Affidavits? Funeral arrangements? It's no wonder that so many widows are left thinking, "My husband passed away. What do I do now?"
Who Can Access a Safe Deposit Box: Everything You Need to Know
It's not easy to figure out who can access a safe deposit box — they are notoriously difficult to get into. We break it down so you know exactly what to do.
11 Items You Should Never Put in a Safe Deposit Box
Safe deposit boxes can be a helpful resource in preventing the loss or theft of items that hold immense value or are difficult to replace, but they're not well suited for storing every kind of assets. Here's a list of the 11 items you should never put in a safe deposit box.
Do Executors Need an Attorney for Probate?
Can an executor navigate the probate process without a probate lawyer? Everything you need to know, consider and more... plus some helpful tips.
What are the Different Formats and Types of Wills?
One of the biggest responsibilities of an executor of a will is to validate and interpret a loved one's estate planning document. In this article we take a look at the different formats and types of last will & testament documents.
Creating Generational Wealth
Generational wealth, more commonly called an “inheritance”, refers to passing down something of value from one generation to the next. In this 1st part of a 3 part series, we break down how to Create Generational Wealth.
The Top 13 Items Found in Safe Deposit Boxes
Safe deposit boxes can be a valuable tool for protecting key documents and belongings. But what are some of the most common objects to find in safe deposit boxes? Atticus breaks it down here.
How to Choose the Executor of Your Estate
Choosing an executor can be one of the most difficult tasks in estate planning. Here are five important considerations you should consider when choosing an executor to administer your estate.
What to Wear and What NOT to Wear to a Zoom Funeral
Zoom funerals are a product of our times, and are likely here to stay. Figuring out what to wear to a Zoom funeral is a positive step, as appropriate attire is a wonderful gesture of respect to the bereaved.
Coping with Grief and Traditions During The Holidays
For those who have lost a loved one to Covid-19, or anything else this year, the holidays can be a difficult time for navigating the grief and loneliness felt during a change of traditions. Here's an ultimate guide for navigating the holiday season and processing the grief in a healthy way.
Powering Financial Literacy through Family Legacy
Family members commonly struggle with financial literacy during the probate and estate settlement processes following the loss of a loved one. Atticus shares its mission to empower financial literacy among families during transfers of legacy.
What happens when someone dies without a will?
Intestate laws govern what happens when a person dies without a will. The following article explains everything you should know about intestate laws and the special circumstances that sometimes apply.
The Ultimate List of Burial Alternatives and their Costs
Cremation is on the rise in the U.S., and so too is the cost. If you're looking for a burial alternative that's more green, or saves you green, then this list of interment substitutes will help shed some light on those options.
You’ve just been named executor… Now what?
Being named an executor of a loved ones estate is an honor, but it comes with a lot of work. Atticus will show you what you should think about if this opportunity comes up, and what questions to ask.
Asking the right questions to navigate disruption
Fintech start-ups promise to solve many of the problems confronting customers, by providing technological advancements that can lead to market disruptions. But it's not enough for banks and financial institutions to say that tech will solve theirs, and their customers problems, if they don't take the time to ask the right questions.
Connecting with family while social distancing
Social distancing is still our new normal, and the rise in "social distance stress" makes connecting with friends and family of the utmost importance. If you still haven't used online resources to connect, then these six suggestions will see you having fun with your loved ones in no time.
Guidance through the stages of grief
If you've lost someone close to you, then understanding the torrent of emotions you're confronting can be a daunting task. It's perfectly normal, and that's why we're here to help, with our guide through the multiple stages of grief.
What to do after someone dies - 4 Phases
Navigating the responsibilities following the loss of a loved one can be overwhelming. Here’s a quick guide for the 4 steps to tackle if someone close to you has died.
A Guide To The Most Commonly Inherited Items
When a loved one passes they leave behind a lot of different things. Sometimes they've specified who gets what ahead of times, though many times they have not. This is an ultimate guide of what to do with the most commonly inherited items to help make those situations and decisions a bit easier.
Keeping Peace while Keeping Pace
Estate settlement is no easy feat. But beyond the procedural responsibilities, there are also significant emotional aspects. These are some helpful tips for keeping peace, while keeping pace, during estate settlement.
The Ultimate List of the Best Funeral Songs
Emotions run high while planning a funeral for a loved one, and choosing the right music to convey all the right messages is a difficult task. That's why Atticus created this Ultimate Guide to Funeral songs, that's sure to have something for everyone.
"Ghosting" - Identity Theft of the Deceased
Identity theft is a situation we all know about, but did you know it also happens to individuals who have died? Identity theft of the deceased is known as "ghosting." Here's what you should know and what you can do about it.
Guide to Funeral Flowers and What Each Means
There are a lot of different types of flowers, yet we tend to see the same ones at funerals or burials after the loss of a loved one. This is a list of the most common types of sympathy flowers used during funerals and what each flower means.
10 Creative Ways to Remember a Loved One
Remembering a loved one is a personal and individualized act. Whether you've saved photos, revisit memories or have a gift to remember a loved one, here is a list of another 10 creative ways people honor a loved one's legacy.
Top 10 Most Common Mistakes By Executors (Don't Make These!)
Being an executor or personal representative requires knowing a few things before diving into your duties of probating a will. In this article, we'll share the 10 most common things that people forget or neglect to do as executors.
What To Do When Someone Dies: The 2024 Checklist
Losing a loved one can be incredibly difficult, both emotionally and logistically. Here is the definitive guide and checklist outlining all of the important things that need to be considered following the loss of a loved one in 2024.
What is probate?
Probate is the legal process of dissolving someone’s life in the eyes of the state and can often take executors, or surviving family members, months or even years to complete without the right guides, helpful tips & support
How to File a Will in 5 Short Steps
Filing a will is one of the first things people do after someone passes away. Here’s how to do it correctly.
Who Can Be Appointed the Executor a Will: List and Facts
Most people qualify to be the executor of a will, but who qualifies and who would succeed are two different questions to consider.
What is Considered a Small Estate? Values and Context
Small estate is a phrase thrown around a lot during probate. Here’s what that really means and if the estate you’re managing can be considered small.
What You Can and Can’t Pay For With an Estate Account (List)
Executors must keep personal expenses separate from estate account actions. Here’s a list of what they can and can’t pay for.
What to Do When No One Wants to Be the Executor
Having trouble finding someone in your family to be the executor of the estate? The answer may not be what you want to hear.
Notary Fees by State [2023 List]
Notarizations are an important mechanism for deterring fraud, but they come at a cost. Here are the average notary fees and types by state.
Do All Wills Go Through Probate? Step-by-Step Guide
The vast majority of wills and estates will go through probate, but there are some exceptions you should consider as an executor before initiating probate.
Can an Executor Also be a Beneficiary? Short Answer & Context
Executors are often a relative or friend of the deceased, making it likely that they would also be a beneficiary. Here’s why that’s legal and useful.
How to Inherit NFTs
NFTs are digital assets that represent real-world items like art, music, games, cards, or other collectibles— and while exciting to collect, NFT's can be difficult to transfer upon death. All that and more in this complete guide to inheriting NFTs.
Executor Fees: A State-by-State Guide
In nearly all cases executors are entitled to compensation for their efforts, but compensation isn’t the same for every executor— learn more with this complete guide to executor of estate fees.
What is a Probate Lawyer and Should You Hire One? Easy Guide
A probate lawyer is a state-licensed lawyer who can help the executor, personal representative, or beneficiaries of an estate through probate.
Do joint bank accounts get frozen after death?
Joint bank accounts are built for flexibility between people, so that means they aren’t frozen after death… right? Covering the real answer, suggestions, tips & more in this quick article.
How Long Can an Estate Stay Open?
While there aren't hard deadlines for closing estates, there are consequences that arise from delaying the process. Here’s how long an estate can really stay open.
Can an Executor Be Reimbursed For Meals?
While executors can be reimbursed by the estate for general travel expenses on behalf of the estate, writing off meals isn’t always the best idea.
Can an Executor Appoint a Power of Attorney?
While executors can appoint someone with the power of attorney, it is often a less useful and riskier option than assigning a resident process agent.
How long do you have to file probate after death?
Filing for probate can be a daunting task, by not doing it on time could cause headaches like forfeiting your right to be the executor, not being able to take or give away anything owned by the estate, and slowing down the inheritance process.
Can an executor benefit from a will?
Yes. Executors can be beneficiaries and get paid for their work from the estate, therefore benefiting from a will. This is extremely common and normal during the probate process.
Can an Executor Refuse to Sell a House?
An executor can only refuse to sell a house if that refusal is aligned with what the will or local intestacy laws say. They cannot go against the will or law, otherwise, they can be forced by the probate court to take action or be criminally charged.
How to inherit a House— Exact Steps & Tax Considerations
Inheriting a house can be a nostalgic and exciting part of what is often a period of transition and unknowns— though it often comes with vague or confusing implications. We address all of that and more in this article.
What is the Uniform Probate Code
Wouldn’t it be easier if all 50 states in the US just adopted the same probate laws? That question has sparked an ongoing conversation for nearly 60 years.
What Information Do You Need For a Death Certificate?
The information you need to get a death certificate will depend on your state, but most require proof of identity, last address of the deceased, and more.
Can an Executor Withdraw Money from an Estate Account
Executors often withdraw funds from the estate account to pay off taxes, pay estate debts, and distribute inheritances to beneficiaries.
Can an Executor Sell a Property?
As long as the executor is following the directions of the will or intestacy laws, selling a property is a common part of the estate settlement and probate processes.
Can an executor sell personal property
One question we're frequently asked is whether an executor can sell personal property — here's the real answer, situational caveats & full breakdown to settle this once and for all.
How Long to Keep Tax Returns After Death?
Losing a loved one creates quite the paper trail — tax documents, legal documents, probate court forms... here's a helpful guide for knowing exactly how long these files need to be kept.
How to File a Petition for Probate in 6 Simple Steps
Filing petition for probate is one of the first things you do after someone passes, and after approval courts give executors the authority to settle an estate.
How to Inherit an IRA: Exact Steps, Resources, and Tax Context
Inheriting an IRA can be a life-changing influx of cash, but you risk losing up to half of it if you don't play your cards right. Here's how to be smart about it.
How Much Does a Probate Lawyer Cost? Averages By State and Advice From Pros
Probate lawyers aren't cheap, and the way they charge can vary. Here's what costs to expect and whether or not you even need to get a probate lawyer.
6 Steps to File Notice to Creditors During Probate (and Not Go Bankrupt)
Something every executor, executrix, or personal representative needs to do during probate is “file notice to creditors”. This is the formal act of raising your hand, saying, “Hi. If the estate owes you something, ask for it."
The 5 Types of Real Estate Ownership You Should Know About — Complete Guide
There are five major types and forms of real estate ownership everyone should know. Here are the definitions, pros, and cons of each type.
Free Probate Help: 52 Tools and Resources For Every Estate and Budget
Free probate help isn't hard to find if you know where to go. Here are the best probate tools and resources to get you through the estate settlement process.
What is a Charitable Remainder Trust? Types and Key Uses
A charitable remainder trust (CRT) is a tax-exempt investing vehicle that allows donors to pursue philanthropic goals while still receiving an annual income.
Powers of a Trustee
For a trustee to effectively manage and steward trust assets, a trust document should include appropriate language granting a trustee a few essential trustee powers. Some powers of a trustee are implied, while others must be granted in writing.
What is an executor
The executor of a will, or executor of an estate, is the formal estate planning term given to the individual responsible for settling the financial and legal affairs after an individual dies.
The Complete Guide to Donor Advised Funds (DAF Gifts)
Donor Advised Funds or Community Foundation dollars can positively help charitable donors maximize the impact of their financial legacy, while also achieving valuable mission-oriented impact.
What to Wear to a Funeral
Figuring out what to wear to a funeral is a positive step, as appropriate attire is a wonderful gesture of respect to the bereaved. This guide will show women, men and kids what's acceptable, what's not and what to wear to all burial ceremonies.
Is filing for an estate EIN necessary for probate?
Commonly, filing for an estate EIN is one of the first responsibilities of an executor. An estate EIN is the tax ID number setup for a loved one's estate after their death and serves to track the financial activities related to a decedent's estate.
How to Close a World of Hyatt Account
How to close a World of Hyatt account after the death of an account owner, plus helpful tips around the policies and support process for assisting surviving family members, heirs, & beneficiaries with transferring unused rewards to one's estate.
How to Close a Marriott Bonvoy Account
How to close a Marriott Bonvoy account after the death of an account owner, plus helpful tips around the policies and support process for assisting surviving family members, heirs, & beneficiaries with transferring unused rewards to one's estate.
How to Close a Hilton Honors Account
How to close a Hilton Honors account after the death of an account owner, plus helpful tips around the policies and support process for assisting surviving family members, heirs, & beneficiaries with transferring unused rewards to one's estate.
How to Close a WhatsApp Account
How to close a WhatsApp account after the death of an account owner, plus helpful tips around the policies and support process for assisting surviving family members, heirs, & beneficiaries with transferring unused rewards to one's estate.
How to Close a Tumblr Account
How to close a Tumblr account after the death of an account owner, plus helpful tips around the policies and support process for assisting surviving family members, heirs, & beneficiaries with transferring unused rewards to one's estate.
How to Close a Myspace Account
How to cancel a MySpace account after the death of an account owner, plus helpful tips around the policies and support process for assisting surviving family members, heirs, & beneficiaries with transferring unused rewards to one's estate.
How to Close a Snapchat Account
How to cancel a Snapchat account after the death of an account owner, plus helpful tips around the policies and support process for assisting surviving family members, heirs, & beneficiaries with transferring unused rewards to one's estate.
How to Cancel a Spotify Subscription
How to cancel a Spotify subscription after the death of an account owner, plus helpful tips around the policies and support process for assisting surviving family members, heirs, & beneficiaries with transferring unused rewards to one's estate.
How to Cancel a Hulu Subscription
How to cancel a Hulu subscription after the death of an account owner, plus helpful tips around the policies and support process for assisting surviving family members, heirs, & beneficiaries with transferring unused rewards to one's estate.
How to Cancel a Netflix Subscription
How to cancel a Netflix subscription after the death of an account owner, plus helpful tips around the policies and support process for assisting surviving family members, heirs, & beneficiaries with transferring unused rewards to one's estate.
How to Close a LinkedIn Account
How to cancel a LinkedIn account after the death of an account owner, plus helpful tips around the policies and support process for assisting surviving family members, heirs, & beneficiaries with transferring unused rewards to one's estate.
How to Close a Twitter Account
How to cancel a Twitter account after the death of an account owner, plus helpful tips around the policies and support process for assisting surviving family members, heirs, & beneficiaries with transferring unused rewards to one's estate.
How to Close an Instagram Account
How to cancel an Instagram account after the death of an account owner, plus helpful tips around the policies and support process for assisting surviving family members, heirs, & beneficiaries with transferring unused rewards to one's estate.
How to Close a Facebook Account
How to close a Groupon account after the death of an account owner, plus helpful tips around the policies and support process for assisting surviving family members, heirs, & beneficiaries with transferring unused rewards to one's estate.
How to Close a Groupon Account
How to Close a United Airlines Account
How to close a United Airlines account after the death of an account owner, plus helpful tips around the policies and support process for assisting surviving family members, heirs, & beneficiaries with transferring unused rewards to one's estate.
How to Close a Southwest Airlines Account
How to close a Southwest Airlines account after the death of an account owner, plus helpful tips around the policies and support process for assisting surviving family members, heirs, & beneficiaries with transferring unused rewards to one's estate.
How to Close a JetBlue Airlines Account
How to close a JetBlue Airlines account after the death of an account owner, plus helpful tips around the policies and support process for assisting surviving family members, heirs, & beneficiaries with transferring unused rewards to one's estate.
How to Close a Frontier Airlines Account
How to close a Frontier Airlines account after the death of an account owner, plus helpful tips around the policies and support process for assisting surviving family members, heirs, & beneficiaries with transferring unused rewards to one's estate.
How to Close a Delta Air Lines SkyMiles Account
How to close a Delta Air Lines SkyMiles account after death of an account owner, plus helpful tips around the policies and support process for assisting surviving family members, heirs & beneficiaries with transferring unused rewards to one's estate.
How to Close an American Airlines Account
How to close an American Airlines account after the death of an account owner, plus helpful tips around the policies and support process for assisting surviving family members, heirs, & beneficiaries with transferring unused rewards to one's estate.
How to Close an Alaskan Airlines Account
How to close an Alaska Airlines account after the death of an account owner, plus helpful tips around the policies and support process for assisting surviving family members, heirs, & beneficiaries with transferring unused rewards to one's estate.
Ultimate Guide to Cancel Airline Accounts and Travel Rewards
Transferring unused airline or travel reward miles can be an overlooked or forgotten step in the estate settlement process. Atticus has the following Ultimate Guide with instructions and tips on how to transfer miles and close accounts in 2020.
Ultimate Guide to Close Cell Phone Services and Accounts
Ultimate guide for closing cell phone accounts and services after someone dies.
How to Close a US Cellular Account
How to cancel a US Cellular account after the death of an account owner, plus helpful tips around the policies and support process for assisting surviving family members, heirs, & beneficiaries with transferring unused rewards to one's estate.
How to Close a Metro PCS Account
How to cancel a Metro PCS account after the death of an account owner, plus helpful tips around the policies and support process for assisting surviving family members, heirs, & beneficiaries with transferring unused rewards to one's estate.
How to Close a Cricket Wireless Account
How to cancel a Cricket wireless account after the death of an account owner, plus helpful tips around the policies and support process for assisting surviving family members, heirs, & beneficiaries with transferring unused rewards to one's estate.
How to Close an Xtream from Media Com Cable Account
How to cancel an Xtream account after the death of an account owner, plus helpful tips around the policies and support process for assisting surviving family members, heirs, & beneficiaries with transferring unused rewards to one's estate.
How to Close a Dish Network Account
How to close a Dish Network account after the death of an account owner, plus helpful tips around the policies and support process for assisting surviving family members, heirs, & beneficiaries with transferring unused rewards to one's estate.
How to Close a Cox Communications Account
How to cancel a Cox Communications account after the death of an account owner, plus helpful tips around the policies and support process for assisting surviving family members, heirs, & beneficiaries with transferring unused rewards to one's estate.
How to Cancel a Verizon Account
How to close a Verizon cellular account after the death of an account owner, plus helpful tips around the policies and support process for assisting surviving family members, heirs, & beneficiaries with transferring unused rewards to one's estate.
How to Close a T-Mobile Account
How to cancel an T-Mobile cellular account after the death of an account owner, plus helpful tips around the policies and support process for assisting surviving family members, heirs, & beneficiaries with transferring unused rewards to one's estate.
How to Close a Sprint Cellular Account
How to cancel a Sprint cellular account after the death of an account owner, plus helpful tips around the policies and support process for assisting surviving family members, heirs, & beneficiaries with transferring unused rewards to one's estate.
How to Close an AT&T cellular account
How to cancel an At&t cellular account after the death of an account owner, plus helpful tips around the policies and support process for assisting surviving family members, heirs, & beneficiaries with transferring unused rewards to one's estate.
How to Close an XFINITY from Comcast Account
How to cancel an Xfinity account after the death of an account owner, plus helpful tips around the policies and support process for assisting surviving family members, heirs, & beneficiaries with transferring unused rewards to one's estate.
How to Close a Charter Spectrum Account
How to cancel a Spectrum subscription after the death of an account owner, plus helpful tips around the policies and support process for assisting surviving family members, heirs, & beneficiaries with transferring unused rewards to one's estate.
How to Close a Time Warner Account
How to cancel a Time Warner account after the death of an account owner, plus helpful tips around the policies and support process for assisting surviving family members, heirs, & beneficiaries with transferring unused rewards to one's estate.
How to Close a DirecTV from AT&T account
How to cancel a DirecTV account after the death of an account owner, plus helpful tips around the policies and support process for assisting surviving family members, heirs, & beneficiaries with transferring unused rewards to one's estate.
How to Close an Amazon Prime or Basic Amazon Account
How to cancel an Amazon account after the death of an account owner, plus helpful tips around the policies and support process for assisting surviving family members, heirs, & beneficiaries with transferring unused rewards to one's estate.
How to Close an Airbnb Account
How to close an Airbnb account after the death of an account owner, plus helpful tips around the policies and support process for assisting surviving family members, heirs, & beneficiaries with transferring unused rewards to one's estate.
How to Cancel a AAA Membership
How to cancel a AAA membership account after the death of an account owner, plus helpful tips around the policies and support process for assisting surviving family members, heirs, & beneficiaries with transferring unused rewards to one's estate.
Out-of-State Executor
Out-of-state executors are any executors, executrices, or personal representatives living in a state outside of the one they are serving in.
Burial Deed
Burial Deed explained - Atticus breaks down estate terms. Here's what you should know.
Right of Survivorship
Right of survivorship lets property in some ownership types automatically pass to the surviving party. This means this asset can bypass probate and should not be counted as a “probate asset”.
Payable On Death (POD) Account
Payable On Death Accounts, or PODs, are any checking or savings accounts where the owner has designated a beneficiary upon death.
Probate Lawyer
Probate lawyers are experts in navigating the legal process of probate, which is the formal process of dissolving someone's financial life after they pass away.
Transfer on Death (TOD) Account
Transfer on Death accounts, or TODs, are any brokerage accounts, securities, or stocks where the owner has designated a beneficiary upon death.
Affidavit
An affidavit is a sworn statement you put in writing. People sign them stating the words are accurate, and then they are used in court.
Primary Beneficiary
A primary beneficiary is an individual or organization who is first in line to receive benefits from the estate as specified in someone’s last will and testament
Devisee
A devisee is a person designated in a will to receive a “devise”, which is defined as a testamentary disposition of real property (real estate or land).
Ademption
Ademption refers to the elimination of a testamentary gift because the bequeathed asset no longer belongs to the testator's estate at the time of their death.
Irrevocable Beneficiary
Ancillary Probate
The administration and distribution of property/assets of a decedent's estate located somewhere other than where they were domiciled.
Estate Account
An estate account is a temporary bank account opened for the specific purpose of managing and distributing an estate’s assets.
Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)
Qualified Charitable Contributions from an IRA are tax-free charitable donations made directly from an IRA by people ages 70½ and older and made possible by the Pension Protection Act of 2006.
Probate Bond
A probate bond is a type of court bond that may be required before an individual can be appointed as the personal representative of an estate.
Income in Respect of a Decedent (IRD)
IRD explained - Atticus breaks down legal terms. Here's what you should know.
Decedent
Decedent is just a fancy way of saying deceased, but there's some more you should know than that.
Letters of Administration
Letters of administration are the legal documents in probate that give people the authority to access and manage an estate’s assets after someone dies.
Attested Will
An attested will is a witnessed will, and it is the most common type of will in the United States. It is signed by the testator and must have at least 2 witnesses.
Holographic Will
A holographic will is written and signed entirely in the handwriting of the testator. No typing allowed!
Safe Deposit Box
Safe Deposit Box explained - Atticus breaks down legal terms. Here's what you should know.
Probate Court
A probate court is the local court that handles everything around estate settlement and probate.
Trust
A trust is a fiduciary instrument that provides legal protection for assets, appoints trustee(s), and offers tax advantages during estate settlements.
Trustee
Trustee explained - Atticus breaks down legal terms. Here's what you should know.
Statute of Limitations
Statute of Limitations explained - Atticus breaks down legal terms. Here's what you should know.
Net Worth
Net worth is the total value of all assets minus the total value of all liabilities owed. It is a quantitative concept that can be used to measure the economic value of an individual, corporation, sector, or country.
Market Value
Market Value explained - Atticus breaks down financial terms. Here's what you should know.
Grantor
Grantor explained - Atticus breaks down legal terms. Here's what you should know.
Abatement
Abatement is what happens when an estate doesn’t have the cash or assets to give what is stated in the will. This happens when expenses and debts are higher than expected.
Intestate
Intestate explained - Atticus breaks down estate terms. Here's what you should know.
Estate
An estate is everything, both tangible and in-tangible, that someone leaves behind.
Probate
Probate explained — Atticus breaks down legal terms. Here's what you should know.
Petition for Probate
Petition for Probate is the formal process of requesting that the local probate court, via a form, appoint the desired executor or personal representative to act on behalf of the deceased's estate.
Fiduciary
Fiduciary explained - Atticus breaks down legal terms. Here's what you should know.
Beneficiary
Beneficiary explained - Atticus breaks down estate terms. Here's what you should know.
Executrix
Executrix explained - Atticus breaks down estate terms. Here's what you should know.
Executor
Executor explained - Atticus breaks down estate terms. Here's what you should know.
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