A conservatorship is a court-ordered arrangement that appoints 1 conservator to manage the personal and/or financial affairs of an adult who can’t do so safely. It’s typically used when illness, disability, or age-related decline prevents informed decision-making and requires court oversight. This article explains how conservatorships work, who can petition, and key alternatives. A conservatorship […]
An heir is a person legally entitled to inherit property from someone who dies, either under a valid will or under state intestacy laws when there is no will. Heir priority typically follows family relationships such as spouses, children, parents, and other relatives. This article explains who qualifies as an heir, the main types of […]
An executor is the person legally appointed to settle a deceased person’s estate through probate. They gather assets, pay valid debts and taxes, and distribute remaining property under the will or state law. This article explains what an executor does, how they’re chosen, and key responsibilities and limits. When someone passes away, their assets, debts, […]
Intestate succession is the legal process that distributes a deceased person’s assets under state law when there is no valid will. Most states prioritize spouses and children first, then other close relatives based on a set order of inheritance. This article explains how intestate succession works, who inherits, and key state-by-state variations. When someone passes […]
