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Probate & Administration
Probate is the legal process that Probate can be a long, drawn-out legal
transfers the legal title of property process, and there are some probate-
from the estate of the deceased to avoidance plans in place. Simply speak
their beneficiaries. During the probate to your attorney to find out what you
process the executor of your will goes can do to avoid probate in your area.
before the courts and identifies and
catalogs all the property you owned,
appraises the property, and pays all
debts and taxes, proves that the will
is valid and legal, and distributes the
property according to the instructions
of the will.
Wills
Everyone knows they should have • Expressly state that it is your will
a will, but the vast majority – about • Be computer generated or typewritten
70% of us – do not. Writing a will is • Be signed and dated
easy and inexpensive, and once you • Be signed by 2-3 witnesses, these
are done you can rest easy knowing witnesses must be people who don’t
your hard earned money and property stand to inherit anything in the will
will be distributed according to your
wishes. As well, if you have children, Although you do not need a lawyer
you can leave instructions on who will to complete a will, it is recommended
be left in charge of them if you pass, to do one with a lawyer, as it will
leaving that decision out of the courts avoid any legal headaches after your
hands. Making a will is easy, you just passing. Once your will is complete,
need to be at least 18 years of age and it’s recommended that it is kept
must be of sound mind when the will somewhere safe and secure outside of
is written. To make a will legal it must: your home. If you do your will through
a lawyer, most law firms will store it for
you free of charge.
Hoskins Funeral Homes and Crematorium Page 33
