How can one close an estate bank account and obtain the required closing statement? (VA)
Closing an estate bank account in Virginia and getting the final closing statement This FAQ-style guide explains, in plain language, the usual steps a personal representative (executor or administrator) follows in Virginia to close an estate bank account and prepare the required closing account (final accounting) for beneficiaries and the court. Detailed answer — step-by-step […]
Read article →Is probate administration required in Virginia when there is no will?
Detailed Answer — When must an estate be administered in Virginia if the deceased left no will? Short answer: Not every situation requires a formal probate administration in Virginia when someone dies intestate (without a will). Whether you must open an estate in circuit court depends on what assets the decedent owned and how those […]
Read article →How to properly document and file receipts for payments to heirs or service providers in an estate? — VA
Detailed Answer This answer explains how a personal representative (executor or administrator) should document and file receipts for payments made from an estate to heirs or to service providers under Virginia law. It assumes you are starting with no legal background. This is a general overview, not legal advice—see the disclaimer at the end. Who […]
Read article →How can next of kin qualify to be appointed as the estate administrator in Virginia (VA)?
Detailed Answer This FAQ explains how a next of kin can qualify to be appointed as the estate administrator (personal representative) in Virginia. It covers who can be appointed, the steps to ask the court for appointment, common requirements (oath, bond, letters), and common disqualifications. This is an overview only and not legal advice—see the […]
Read article →What documents are required to apply for probate appointment and oath in Virginia (VA)?
Detailed answer: What you typically must bring to open probate and take the oath in Virginia This guide explains, in plain language, the documents commonly required to apply for appointment as a personal representative (executor or administrator) and to take the oath in a Virginia probate proceeding. It is intended to help you understand the […]
Read article →Which statements and financial documents are required for annual and final probate accountings in VA
Detailed Answer: What documents and statements belong in annual and final probate accountings under Virginia law When a personal representative or executor administers an estate in Virginia, the court and interested parties expect clear, verifiable accountings that show how the estate’s money and property were handled. Virginia’s probate statutes and court practice generally require a […]
Read article →What steps can heirs take to resolve an elective share dispute through mediation in Virginia (VA)?
Resolve an Elective Share Dispute Through Mediation in Virginia FAQ: How can heirs resolve an elective share dispute through mediation under Virginia law? Short answer Heirs can resolve an elective share dispute through mediation by preparing documentation, identifying the issues, selecting a mediator experienced in probate disputes, agreeing on ground rules, exchanging valuations and offers, […]
Read article →What steps can be taken to verify or contest a creditor’s payoff quote on an estate debt in Virginia (VA)?
Detailed Answer — How to verify or contest a creditor’s payoff quote for an estate debt under Virginia law When an estate receives a payoff quote from a creditor (for example, a credit card company, mortgage lender, or medical provider), the personal representative and interested heirs should verify the quote before paying. In Virginia, estate […]
Read article →What is the process for negotiating a creditor’s payoff amount in estate administration in Virginia (VA)?
How to Negotiate a Creditor’s Payoff Amount During Estate Administration in Virginia This FAQ-style guide explains the practical steps a personal representative (executor/administrator) and heirs can take to negotiate creditors’ payoffs in a Virginia probate. It is written for non-lawyers. This is educational information only and not legal advice. Detailed Answer — Step-by-step process under […]
Read article →How to submit an affidavit accounting for personal property in a small estate case (VA)
Detailed Answer Short answer: In Virginia, you can use a small-estate affidavit to collect or distribute a decedent’s personal property without full probate only if the estate meets the statutory requirements. To submit an affidavit accounting for personal property you must confirm you qualify under Virginia law, prepare an itemized affidavit that describes the personal […]
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