You Were Named the Executor or Administrator of an Estate – What To Expect

When someone is designated as a personal representative for an estate, their mind is often inundated with questions and concerns about what they are legally obligated to do. In many instances, personal representatives are named an Executor/Executrix or an Administrator/Administratrix. Similarities and Differences between an Administrator and an Executor You may be wondering, "What is different from being named an Administrator versus an Executor?" Well, an Administrator is the individual appointed by a court to oversee an estate when someone passes away without a Last Will and Testament. In contrast, an Executor is the individual named by a decedent in their estate...

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Administering a Small Estate in Virginia – Important Info You Need to Know

Virginia has a set of unique rules that allows you to avoid probate if an estate is comprised of “small” assets (defined as assets totaling under $50,000). According to VA Code § 64.2-601, when the total estate does not exceed $50,000, a successor in interest, usually an heir-at-law or a beneficiary of the Will, can collect and distribute the assets without having to go through the full probate process. If there is a Last Will and Testament, it must be admitted to probate, but there is no requirement that an executor or personal representative be appointed, according to the Virginia Academy of Elder...

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Estate Planning News Alert: Influential Commission Working to Grant Loved Ones Access to Decedent’s Online Accounts

The Uniform Law Commission, a group of influential lawyers appointed by state governments to help standardize state laws, endorsed a plan to give loved ones access to, but not total control of, all digital accounts of a decedent, unless otherwise specified in the decedent’s will. As we’ve ventured into the digital age, virtually everyone has vital information and profiles saved and published online. When someone suddenly passes away, it can be a huge hassle to gain access to their online accounts to either shut them down or retrieve important information like account numbers and/or passwords. Also, a decedent’s postings, photos...

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Digital Assets Bill Passes Through Virginia Legislature

It’s a thought no parent wants to contemplate – losing a child. Nevertheless, if this unfortunate and tragic incident occurs, you need to pick up the pieces and try to get your child’s estate in order. Fortunately, the Virginia Legislature took a step to make the process a little easier with the passage of HB 1752. This law affords parents of deceased minors access to their social media accounts. The law enables a personal representative of a deceased minor to assume the deceased minor's terms of service agreement for a digital account with an Internet service provider, communications service provider, or...

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