Q. How are assets distributed if my loved one does not have a will or I cannot find it?
A. When a person dies without a valid will, or if you cannot find it, property passes to heirs according to state law. For most states, the share for the surviving spouse is determined first, if he or she was married at the time of death. After allotting for the surviving spouse’s share of the estate, state laws also have provisions for how property should be divided if there is more than one descendant who is entitled to inherit from the estate. Check your state’s laws or contact an estate planning attorney for specifics.

Q. What is probate?
A. Probate, if required, is the formal process by which property and assets are distributed to beneficiaries. Most probates involve filing a petition (and original will, if available) with the proper court, appointment of an executor, notice to heirs, inventory and appraisal of estate assets, payment of debts or taxes and distribution of assets to beneficiaries.

Q. How much does it cost to probate an estate?
A. The cost and duration of probate can vary substantially depending on the value and complexity of the estate, the existence of a will and the location of property owned by the estate. Your attorney will discuss the costs involved for your situation.

Q. What is the role of the executor, personal representative or administrator?
A. The executor or personal representative is in charge of the probate process and provides an orderly method for administering the estate. If there is no will, an administrator is appointed by the probate court.

Q. Where will the estate be administered?
A. The estate—or probate, if required—will be administered in the county where your loved one resided. If your loved one owned property in another state, a separate proceeding may be required.

Q. How do I know if I am a beneficiary under the will or living trust?
A. The law requires the executor or personal representative to give all interested parties and named beneficiaries notice when the will has been filed with the court. It then becomes a matter of public record. You can contact the courthouse and request a copy of the will. If you are a beneficiary under a living trust, the law requires the trustee to give you notice. A living trust is not a matter of public record.

Q. How do I request proceeds for life insurance, 401(k) plans, IRAs and other contract-related assets?
A. The plan administrator for these assets or accounts typically requires a certified death certificate and a fully executed claim form. Contact the plan administrator for details.

Q. Are all assets subject to administration?
A. Probate assets that are titled in your loved one’s individual name may require administration. Property titled as joint tenancy with rights of survivorship automatically passes, by operation of law, to the surviving owner(s) when one owner dies. Assets such as life insurance, 401(k) plans, IRAs and other contract-related assets automatically pass to the named beneficiaries upon the owner’s death.

Q. What if my loved one had a lot of debt?
A. If the estate has no money or assets to satisfy the debt, it is canceled. If the estate has assets, they must be used to satisfy any debts before the assets are distributed according to the will or state laws.