inheritance

When it comes to an executor fee, the real question isn’t whether relatives should help for free, it’s whether the compensation matches the work and follows the rules governing the estate.

Being named executor can sound like an honor until the court forms, bank calls, bills and family questions begin. Suddenly, one child is doing months of work while everyone else appears to be waiting for a check. Does that extra burden justify receiving more from the estate?

Your parents thought they were leaving their grandchildren a financial head start. Then the parents said, “They’re our kids, so give us the money."

When a loved one passes away without a will, settling their estate can quickly become a nightmare. If you were promised something but never got it in writing, you might find yourself in a difficult position when you try to claim it as yours.

The accounts were closed, the remaining money was divided, and everyone assumed probate was finally over. Then a hospital or collection agency produced another bill from your parent's final months.

Your father promised you his classic 1969 Ford Mustang, but the title was still in his name when he died. Learn whether the estate controls the car, how verbal promises and wills affect ownership, and what steps could help you keep the Mustang.