Almost all 50 states have the same laws. However, the time periods and challenge processes may vary.
The probate court will assign a 'temporary' executor who is an officer of the court to ensure that no assets are 'gone missing' during the assignment phase.
Then the probate court will designate a 'permanant' executor based on the typical family pass-on structure that already exists in all states. Order being, 1) Spouse, 2) Children in order of oldest male child (over 18) down, then oldest female child (over 18) down. 3) Parents (If both husband and wife die simultaneously, then the husbands parents first, wives parents second). Then it progresses to Grandchildren (oldest first), Grandparents (husbands first), then it starts getting into nephews/neices, then uncles/aunts.
If an executor isn't named in the will, the probate court MUST appoint according to these rules, but that doesn't stop anyone else with a family interest in the estate from contesting it. Say, the oldest surviving son is in jail for financial or insurance fraud. Obviously someone can petition to not have him assigned executor. It's best to always have an executor unless the normal 'chain of inheritance' works for you.
A person who dies without a will is said to be intestate. Their property passes to the legal heirs at law according to the state laws of intestacy. You can check the laws in your state at the related question ink below.
A person who dies without a will is said to be intestate. Their property passes to the legal heirs at law according to the state laws of intestacy. You can check the laws in your state at the related question ink below.
A person who dies without a will is said to be intestate. Their property passes to the legal heirs at law according to the state laws of intestacy. You can check the laws in your state at the related question ink below.
A person who dies without a will is said to be intestate. Their property passes to the legal heirs at law according to the state laws of intestacy. You can check the laws in your state at the related question ink below.
A person who dies without a will is said to be intestate. Their property passes to the legal heirs at law according to the state laws of intestacy. You can check the laws in your state at the related question ink below.
The assets will be distributed according the the intestacy laws. That typically means the spouse and children inherit. If there are no natural heirs, the state will get the estate.
The court will appoint the executor. The estate will be distributed per the intestacy laws.
Happens all the time. No big deal. The executor, whomever it is, fulfills the duties are required by law. And if no one 'wants' to be the executor, the court will appoint someone to do it, usually an attorney or a bank.
No. If the executor dies the court must appoint a new executor.
The executor has the responsibility to resolve the estate and settle debts regardless of what the next of kin want.
The mail belongs to the estate. The executor should get all mail.
The decendants are the natural heirs. If they are not yet adults, the court will create a trust for their suppport. They will also appoint an executor to manage the estate.
Typically, utility bills are the responsibility of the person who is listed as the account holder. Next of kin are generally not automatically responsible for paying these bills unless they have specifically agreed to take on this responsibility. If the account holder passes away, the responsibility for paying the utility bills would typically fall to their estate or the person who inherits their assets.
The power of attorney expired on the death of the principle. The executor of the estate can certainly obtain a copy.
Courts typically give preference to the next of kin when appointing an executor of an estate, especially if they are willing and able to fulfill the role. However, the final decision ultimately depends on the specific laws and circumstances of each case. Factors like competency, potential conflicts of interest, and the wishes of the deceased may also be considered.
It will all go to your spouse if you are married or to your next of kin.
"The Next of Kin" was created in 1942.
Unless you had been assigned their Power of Attorney (while they were alive) or named as their Executor, you have no legal obligation or responsibility.
No, not normally, the deceased's next of kin or executor is responsible to pay for the funeral by encasing any life policies.