Adult children are often surprised to learn that after a parent dies, they do not have the legal authority to sell their mom’s home even if mom left the home to them in her Will. In this situation, a probate estate will have to be opened at the county courthouse and certain steps taken before the adult children can sell mom’s home. 

Probate is a court procedure that takes place after someone dies if that person had assets in his or her name alone. This means the assets were not titled in the name of a Revocable Living Trust, did not have a surviving joint owner, and did not have a payable-on-death beneficiary. 

People often believe that if they have a Last Will and Testament, then probate will be avoided.  That is not the case. Having a Last Will and Testament ensures that your wishes will be followed, but it doesn’t avoid probate. 

Probate isn’t a bad thing; it just takes time and costs money. But if a loved one has died and a probate is necessary, I can help you navigate that process and ensure that it is handled as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible.